With an eye on Old Mysuru votes, JD(S)-BJP merger talk gains steam | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Though no formal proposal has been made, speculation over a possible merger or a deeper alliance between BJP and JD(S) has gained momentum with senior functionaries revealing internal discussions are under way in New Delhi. These talks will factor in electoral compulsions and political risks. For BJP, a closer understanding with JD(S) is seen largely through the prism of electoral expansion. Despite being the principal opposition party, BJP has struggled to make significant inroads in the Old Mysuru region, where Vokkaliga voters play a decisive role. JD(S), though weakened, continues to retain pockets of influence in this belt. A senior BJP MLA acknowledged this limitation. “We have organisational strength across most of the state, but Old Mysuru remains a challenge. Any cooperation that helps consolidate votes in this region is being discussed,” he said. BJP is also dealing with internal issues. Factionalism over the appointment of BY Vijayendra as state president continues, with a section of senior functionaries remaining dissatisfied. Party strategists believe a broader political alignment could help shift focus from internal dissent to electoral consolidation, possibly with a JD(S) member playing a prominent role. However, the risks are significant. Lingayats form BJP’s core support base, and representatives from the community have cautioned that closer ties with JD(S) —widely perceived as a Vokkaliga and family-centric party — could disturb existing social equations. The 2023 assembly elections, when sections of Lingayat voters backed Congress, are often cited internally as a warning against alienating traditional supporters. Political observers say such a realignment could alter equations across the state, with Congress likely to consolidate gains in north Karnataka, Mysuru region, Tumakuru and parts of central Karnataka. Lingayat voters are estimated to influence outcomes in over 100 assembly constituencies. Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said BJP faces a delicate balancing act. “A merger offers access to new vote banks, but it also risks unsettling the core base. The party will have to tread cautiously,” he said. For JD(S), a deeper alliance or merger appears more urgent. Once a dominant regional force that won 59 seats in the 2004 assembly elections, the party has steadily declined, securing 19 seats in 2023. Critics point to the perception of the party being centred around the HD Deve Gowda family as a limiting factor. Supporters argue that aligning with BJP could provide organisational backing, financial resources and a wider national platform. But the drawbacks are substantial. JD(S) paid a huge price for its alliance with BJP in 2023, with minority voters largely drifting away. Former PM Gowda recently said the alliance would be limited to assembly and Lok Sabha polls, not local body elections, and has condemned attacks on churches, indicating internal unease. Leadership uncertainty adds to complexity. Gowda’s advancing age, health issues faced by his son and party state president HD Kumaraswamy, and the loss of Hassan district following controversies involving HD Revanna’s family have further weakened the party. Political commentator MN Patil said survival is a key concern for JD(S). “With Congress consolidating after its 2023 victory and BJP expanding nationally, JD(S) faces a serious challenge without its traditional leadership strength,” he said.