Strength of BJP-JD(S) alliance not for street debate; K.R. Pet remarks misinterpreted: Nikhil

JD(S) youth leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy said that the strength of the JDS–BJP alliance is not a subject to be debated on the streets. “If the alliance is to continue on a permanent basis, issues must be resolved through dialogue, and Kumaranna’s (H.D. Kumaraswamy) house doors are always open for discussions,” he noted, responding to remarks made by K.C. Narayana Gowda, former Minister and former K.R. Pet MLA.

Speaking to reporters in Mandya on February 6, Mr. Nikhil said the BJP is a national party while the JD(S) is a regional party, and alliance-related decisions have already been discussed at the level of national leadership. The alliance, he added, is also about the self-respect of workers from both parties.

“From Chitradurga to Chamarajanagar, NDA candidates have won. Discussing the strength of the JD(S) and BJP in public spaces is not appropriate,” he said.

He further clarified that he considers himself a common JD(S) party worker and has always spoken within the party framework during meetings with district leaders. “There is no situation that warrants public debate, and people should exercise basic common sense while making statements,” he said, expressing his displeasure over Mr. Gowda’s comments.

On the K.R. Pet issue, Mr. Nikhil said that H.T. Manjunath (only JD(S) MLA elected from Mandya district) is the only MLA elected from K.R. Pet, and his remarks during a party workers’ induction programme were made naturally. “I only stated this fact during the programme. What is wrong in that?” he asked.

He emphasised that political leadership cannot be decided based on his electoral defeat, and reiterated that alliance-related matters have already been discussed at the highest level. “If the alliance is to continue permanently, come and sit for talks. My election defeat cannot decide whether leadership in politics is created or not,” he said, hitting back at Mr. Gowda.