Karnataka: BJP–JDS will fight 2028 assembly polls together, says Oppn leader Ashoka sounding confident of NDA win

Bengaluru: The NDA’s victory in the recent Legislative Council elections has sent a strong message ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly polls, with Leader of Opposition R Ashok expressing confidence that the BJP-JD(S) alliance could win over 150 seats if it contests unitedly.

Addressing reporters at the BJP office in Malleswaram, Ashok said the two parties displayed exemplary coordination, from candidate selection to campaigning. BJP and JD(S) leaders, MLAs, district presidents, former corporators and party workers worked in tandem to ensure the NDA candidate’s victory. He added that the same unity would continue into the next Assembly election.

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Ashok said Ranganath's candidature was finalised after discussions with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and received unanimous backing from both allies. He credited the victory to coordinated efforts by leaders across districts and close engagement with MLAs and former corporators.

Calling the result a reflection of public sentiment, Ashok said voters signalled dissatisfaction with the Congress government. “If BJP and JD(S) contest together, there is a possibility of winning more than 150 seats in the next Assembly election. This result is a compass for the 2028 polls,” he said.

The BJP leader also described the defeat of Congress-backed candidate Puttanna as a political setback for CM DK Shivakumar. He said Shivakumar had personally taken responsibility for the constituency and was widely seen as backing Puttanna’s campaign.

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Referring to Congress criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Ashok noted that the Legislative Council election was conducted through ballot papers and yet resulted in an NDA victory. The outcome, he said, was a response to allegations that EVMs were responsible for electoral defeats.

Ashok further alleged that corruption and internal differences had weakened the Congress government. He claimed recent developments involving the CM, the Congress high command and statements by party leaders had exposed divisions within the ruling party, raising doubts among people about its ability to complete a full term.

Congratulating BJP and JD(S) workers, leaders and former corporators for their efforts, Ashok also acknowledged the guidance of BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh. He said extensive outreach to former corporators and a ward-level campaign strategy in Bengaluru had contributed to the alliance’s success.

Ashok said the BJP-JD(S) alliance would continue with the same level of coordination and remained confident of returning to power in Karnataka in the 2028 Assembly elections.