BJP-JD(S) to form coordination panels separately for GBA area and rest of Karnataka

With elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority on the horizon, the BJP-JD(S) coalition partners have decided to set up separate coordination committees for the GBA region and Karnataka for effectively tackling the government over various issues.

A decision to this effect was taken after a team of BJP leaders led by State president B.Y. Vijayendra held a meeting with JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

After the meeting, Mr. Vijayendra told presspersons that the committees will be formed in eight to 10 days.

The committee members will be finalised after discussions with BJP party leaders, while Mr. Kumaraswamy has agreed to provide a list of names of JD(S) leaders, Mr. Vijayendra said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy suggested the formation of separate committees for Bengaluru in the wake of fast-approaching elections to the GBA, he added.

The leaders are learnt to have agreed to work in close coordination for the GBA elections and also elections that are slated to be held for Council seats in 2026.

Building pressure

The coalition leaders also reportedly decided to evolve strategies to bring pressure on the government both within the legislature and outside on various issues.

Sources said that the subjects that came for discussion included the targeting of RSS by the Congress government, spat between government representatives and industrialists over Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes, controversy over Bidadi integrated township, and crumbling infrastructure in Bengaluru.

Tension among cadre

On the reported tension and a lack of trust between workers as well as local leaders of the two coalition partners, the leaders have reportedly decided to make efforts to ensure a smooth relationship at the cadre level.

Meanwhile, Mr. Vijayendra alleged that Ministers were responding in an arrogant manner to concerns raised by industry captains on the infrastructure woes of Bengaluru. His father and then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had welcomed criticism and suggestion from the industry captains. “Mr. Yediyurappa had invited industry leader Mohandas Pai to his home after Mr. Pai publicly raised some concerns,” Mr. Vijayendra noted.