Bengaluru: Political discussions have intensified within the BJP-JDS alliance over re-electing former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.
With four Rajya Sabha seats set to fall vacant from the state, alliance leaders are reportedly considering fielding Deve Gowda as a joint candidate.
According to the current Assembly strength, a candidate requires around 45 to 46 votes to secure victory. The Congress, with 136 MLAs, is comfortably placed to win three seats.
Meanwhile, the BJP has 63 MLAs and the Janata Dal (Secular) has 18 legislators, taking the alliance tally to 81. This makes the victory of Deve Gowda almost certain if he contests as the alliance nominee.
Sources within the JDS said there is strong opinion in favour of giving another term to Deve Gowda considering his seniority, political experience and national influence. Party leaders have reportedly begun internal consultations at the high-command level regarding the move.
At the same time, JDS sources indicated that the final decision on Deve Gowda’s re-election has been left to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party has reportedly conveyed that it will abide by the Prime Minister’s decision without imposing any conditions or pressure.
The developments have added political significance to the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, with alliance calculations and seat-sharing discussions gaining momentum.
