BJP, JD(S) finalise joint strategy for four Karnataka Council seats

The BJP and JD(S) have agreed to contest the October 23 Karnataka Legislative Council elections jointly on four seats, with the BJP fielding candidates in three constituencies and JD(S) in the Bangalore Teachers' constituency. The decision was taken at a coordination committee meeting in Bengaluru on Saturday, attended by Union ministers HD Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, and other leaders. BJP president Vijayendra said the alliance aims to win all four seats and that responsibilities have been assigned for each constituency.

The four seats going to polls are South East Graduates', Bangalore Teachers', West Graduates' and North East Teachers' constituencies, with counting on October 27. The Congress has already fielded candidates, including former MLCs Mohan Limbikai, Sharanappa Mathur and Shashi Hulikuntemutt, and sitting MLC Puttanna. BJP and JD(S) leaders also discussed future coordination and joint political programmes against the Congress government. Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government was making announcements without adequate funds and that MLAs had lost faith in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.