Cross-Voting Won’t Affect JD(S)-BJP Alliance; Congress Offered ₹50 Crore Cash, ₹100 Crore Grants, Alleges HD Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru, June 20: Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday dismissed suggestions that cross-voting in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections could weaken the JD(S)-BJP alliance, asserting that the coalition remains intact and united ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Kumaraswamy alleged that attempts were made to influence legislators during the Council polls through massive financial inducements, including offers of ₹50 crore in cash and ₹100 crore in constituency development grants.
Addressing reporters at the party headquarters, J.P. Bhavan, Kumaraswamy said the Congress was unsuccessfully trying to create divisions between JD(S) and BJP by portraying the election outcome as a setback for the alliance.
Candidate Chosen With BJP’s Consent
Kumaraswamy said the decision to field the JD(S) candidate was taken after consultations with BJP national and state leaders, including BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka.
“The candidature was finalized with the consent of all alliance partners. There is no question of any misunderstanding or differences between JD(S) and BJP,” he said.
Allegations of Massive Inducements
The former Chief Minister alleged that legislators across party lines have faced difficulties in securing development funds over the past three years and that this situation was exploited during the Council elections.
“Promises of ₹50 crore in personal benefits and ₹100 crore for constituency development were allegedly made to secure votes. Such inducements influenced the voting pattern,” Kumaraswamy claimed.
He said JD(S) had entered the election after carefully assessing the numbers and expected support from alliance partners. However, some legislators failed to remain committed to the party’s decision.
Congress Misreading the Result: HDK
Kumaraswamy maintained that the Council election result should not be interpreted as a political indicator for the 2028 Assembly elections.
“The Congress is under the illusion that this episode can weaken the alliance. Their hopes will be shattered. JD(S) and BJP will jointly face the people in 2028,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the alliance would secure public support and replace what he termed an anti-people Congress government.
Recalling the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections, Kumaraswamy said several JD(S) legislators had cross-voted in favour of a Congress candidate and later joined that party, only to suffer electoral defeats.
Will Brief BJP National Leadership
The Union Minister revealed that the BJP has already constituted a committee headed by former minister C.T. Ravi to examine the cross-voting issue.
Kumaraswamy said he would soon meet the BJP national leadership in New Delhi and share all information available with him regarding the developments.
“I have complete information. JD(S) legislators have entrusted me with taking an appropriate decision. Action will be taken at the right time,” he said.
“My Focus Is 2028”
Kumaraswamy said his primary objective is to strengthen the alliance and prepare for the next Assembly elections.
“For me, forming a government that reflects the aspirations of the people is more important than any position or office. My focus is firmly on 2028,” he said.
Questioning the Congress government’s anti-corruption claims, he sarcastically asked whether those allegedly involved in vote-buying during the Council election were exempt from the government’s anti-corruption mechanisms.
MLAs Free to Leave If They Want
In a candid remark, Kumaraswamy disclosed that he had told party legislators they were free to pursue other political opportunities if they believed their future lay elsewhere.
“I do not want to stand in the way of anyone’s political future. If someone wants to leave, they should tell me openly instead of weakening the party from within,” he said.
He added that contesting the Council election was not merely about winning a seat but also about assessing the commitment and loyalty of party legislators.
Bidadi Township Row
Responding to questions on the proposed Bidadi Township project, Kumaraswamy said the issue had been debated extensively during his tenure as Chief Minister.
He reiterated that he had clearly stated that not even an inch of fertile agricultural land would be acquired for the project and announced that he would soon hold a separate press conference to place all relevant facts before the public.
Taking a swipe at some political leaders, he said several individuals who had once opposed the township project had changed their position after switching political parties.
Questioning reports of compensation cheques being distributed to landowners, Kumaraswamy said compensation is normally disbursed through designated acquisition authorities and not elected representatives.
While acknowledging that some farmers had accepted compensation, he argued that fertile agricultural land would appreciate significantly over time and provide greater long-term value than compensation deposits.
“The rights and future of farmers must remain the priority in any development project,” he said.
About the Author
