R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, dismissed rumours of a conflict between the BJP and JD(S) regarding the Channapatna Assembly seat for the upcoming by-election.
He assured that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would soon decide the matter.
“There is no tussle over the Channapatna Assembly seat. I spoke with Kumaraswamy for two hours. He is a good friend, and there is no problem,” Ashoka told the media.
He added that the party symbol would be clarified soon, and it would be decided by the NDA, recognising Kumaraswamy as a key stakeholder in the seat.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy addressed the issue on Sunday, claiming some individuals were trying to create a rift between Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party to help the Congress candidate. However, he asserted that such efforts would fail.
The Channapatna by-election is scheduled for November 13. The seat became vacant after Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) state president, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandya.
Kumaraswamy, speaking in Sitapura village, Mandya, clarified his position on CP Yogeshwar’s potential candidacy in Channapatna. He stated, “We have already nominated a family member as the BJP candidate for the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency. I trust our allies will reciprocate this gesture.” He added that no discussions had taken place regarding Yogeshwar’s nomination and that he had only seen media reports.
Kumaraswamy also commented on speculation that Congress leaders had met with Yogeshwar. He noted that rumours had been circulating for the past fifteen days, suggesting he might run as an independent.
“Congress is waiting to bring him into their fold. They aim to create division between us,” he remarked.
He accused Congress of attempting to create a rift within the NDA alliance, claiming they could not win independently in Channapatna. He stated that Congress was working hard to cause discord, but he had remained patient to prevent this.
Kumaraswamy added that discussions would continue, and a final decision would be made by Tuesday or Wednesday. He emphasised that there were no problems at the national level regarding the Channapatna ticket, as he had represented the constituency for the last two terms.
He further explained that JD(S) is handling the matter at the national level. “Of the three by-election constituencies, JD(S) has a strong presence in Channapatna. With victory in mind, we ceded the Bengaluru Rural seat to the BJP. We expect the BJP to show similar generosity now,” he concluded.
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