NDA plans to field Gowda, JD(S) scouts for safe seat

The BJP and JD(S) are planning to field former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP sees Gowda’s presence as a way to neutralize the influence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in Karnataka and to leverage his popularity among farmers in northern states. Finding a suitable seat for Gowda is a challenge, but the JD(S) is seeking at least five seats in the alliance with the BJP. The alliance is almost finalized, pending formalities and seat-sharing discussions.