Deve Gowda's JDS mulls tie-up with BJP for 2024 LS Polls

In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, political circles are abuzz about a potential alliance between JDS and BJP.

Karnataka's regional party, headed by the tallest Vokkaliga political figure HD Deve Gowda, has signalled its openness to explore an electoral tie-up with BJP after its most humiliating defeat in the recent assembly polls. The party, which had won 37 seats five years ago, came down to 19 seats in the avalanche set off by Congress led by Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar duo.

A BJP leader said the party may take further steps after watching how JDS responds to the July 18 meeting of the Opposition parties, hosted by Congress in Bengaluru. NDA, which is also holding a meeting on the same day, however, has not invited JDS to be part of the event.


Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the reports proved what they all along said that JDS was indeed a B-team of BJP.

In Hubballi, former CM Basavaraj Bommai told the media that the party leadership has had talks with Deve Gowda and a decision on an alliance will hinge on the outcome of talks.