Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, dismissed claims of any conflict between the BJP and JD(S) regarding the Channapatna Assembly seat for the upcoming by-election. Speaking at an event on Monday, Ashoka stated, “There is no tussle over the Channapatna seat. I discussed this with Kumaraswamy for two hours. He is a good friend, and there is no problem.”
He further added that the NDA will finalize the candidate symbol either by the end of the day or the following morning, emphasizing that the decision would be made collectively by the NDA. Kumaraswamy is seen as a key stakeholder in the matter.
On Sunday, HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister and JD(S) leader, claimed that some individuals were attempting to create a rift between the JD(S) and BJP to benefit the Congress candidate. However, he expressed confidence that these attempts would fail.
The by-election in Channapatna is scheduled for November 13, following the seat’s vacancy after Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) state president, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandya.
In response to rumors about CP Yogeshwar’s possible candidacy, Kumaraswamy clarified that no formal discussion or proposal had been presented to him, despite media reports. He also criticized Congress for allegedly trying to exploit the situation by encouraging Yogeshwar to run as an independent, aiming to create divisions within the NDA.
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Kumaraswamy stressed that the JD(S) had conceded the Bengaluru Rural seat to the BJP in the spirit of cooperation and now expected similar reciprocity from its ally for Channapatna. He assured that discussions would continue, with a final decision expected by mid-week.
