BBMP mayor polls: BJP's move for talks with JD(S) causes rift in party

Bengaluru: While senior BJP leaders, led by MLA R. Ashok, are leaving no stone unturned to come into power in the BBMP, highly placed sources in the party reveal that most BJP leaders are against an alliance with JD(S), as the ‘circumstances’ were not right.

According to sources, the party, which is aiming to win the 2018 Assembly elections, does not want to make a politically damaging move at this juncture that could affect the BJP’s prospects two years later.

“While most of the BJP corporators are new to local politics, some are still clueless about their roles and what is expected of them. To play it safe, a party meeting was held in which senior leaders advised that we should not bother about the mayor’s post or coming to power in BBMP. However, Mr Ashok has been relentlessly batting for an alliance and convinced the party to hold talks with JD(S),” the source said and added that during the meeting, BJP state president Yeddyurappa was very vocal about his opposition to alliance with JD(S).

When the team of leaders, led by Mr Ashok, was not ready to budge, even Mr Yeddyurappa had to agree. But not everyone is happy, they share a common opinion that the attempts to form an alliance with JD (S) was unnecessary, the source said.   

 Meetings continue
JD(S) party sources maintain that both Congress and BJP leaders were holding talks with JD (S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda. Though no decision has been made about whom to support, the source maintained that the party will shortly announce its decision.

“Two rounds of discussions were held with BJP last week over alliance, while Congress leaders too have been making multiple rounds to Mr Deve Gowda’s residence. Talks are in full swing about forming an alliance, but there is little clarity on with whom,” the source added.