Will Karnataka Assembly Elections Happen Early? Speculation Mounts

In the wake of his recent entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), HD Kumaraswamy, the JDS legislature party leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister, has made a startling prediction of fresh Assembly elections in the state next year. During a gathering with Ramanagara party workers at his Bidadi farmhouse, Kumaraswamy also suggested that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar may soon find himself back in Tihar Jail.

Going by Kumaraswamy's statements, it looks like that Karnataka Assembly elections will take place in 2024 itself, not 2028. He also expressed confidence that no one can prevent the imminent polls and called upon his supporters to initiate preparations.

Although Kumaraswamy refrained from mentioning DK Shivakumar by name, he urged party workers to fortify the JDS in Kanakapura, suggesting that the current Congress candidate may not participate in the upcoming elections. In his words, "In the next elections, that person might not be able to contest polls. God is watching everything, do not worry. I know what is going to happen. He has already been there (Tihar Jail) once, and I will not be surprised if he goes there again. At most, we can be sent to Hassan, but not Tihar Jail," the former CM remarked.

Kumaraswamy also said that the downfall of the Congress-JDS coalition government, asserting that Shivakumar's interference in Belagavi politics was the root cause of the government's collapse. He said, "I didn't have any animosity against Ramesh Jarkiholi. He (Shivakumar) intervened in Belagavi DCC Bank politics, and I had to become its victim. He portrayed in public as if he was trying to save the government. He brainwashed people by saying he was trying to protect the government, but it was due to him that the government collapsed."

Since aligning with the BJP, Kumaraswamy has been vocal in his criticism of DK Shivakumar. His future plans include a meeting with BJP leaders to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, slated for the end of the month. While the JDS is planning to contest elections in six seats, the BJP has reportedly offered only four, with the final decision expected post the Navaratri festival.