Why is JDS backing 7 candidates of other parties in Karnataka?

Karnataka's main regional party Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) recently surprised many after extending its support to seven candidates of other parties, including Congress candidate Darshan Dhruvanarayana in Nanjangud, in the upcoming Assembly elections.

JDS will also be supporting CPM candidates in Gulbarga Rural, Bagepalli and KR Puram as well as RPI in CV Raman Nagar, Vijayanagar and Mahadevapura.

So, why the JDS is not fielding its own candidates and support others in these seats? State Congress working president and former MP R. Dhruvanarayana passed away at a hospital in Mysuru in March. He was keen to contest from the Nanjangud constituency. Following his untimely death, Congress workers exerted pressure on the party to give ticket to his son Darshan.

Dhruvanarayana was known as 'ajatashatru' (unbeatable) and commanded respect from leaders across the party lines. In the last few elections, the fight was mainly between BJP and Congress in this seat. Hence, JDS leader G.T. Deve Gowda asked his party not to field a candidate there.

With this move, Gowdas have tried to take moral high ground, which will help Deve Gowda get an advantage at Chamundeshwari constituency. Political analysts say that this good gesture will help the Deve Gowda gain sympathy votes as he lock horns with Congress candidate in his constituency. It also benefits the JDS which has strong presence in the old Mysuru region.

Coming to other candidates who have got the JDS support, political pundits say that the decision was taken keeping the 2024 elections in mind. Party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda has already announced his support for the Left parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and this is part of their deal. Hence, the Gowdas have not fielded its candidates in those six constituencies.