Bengaluru: Setting the tone for a new political alignment in the new year, the JD(S), which had formed a coalition Government with the Congress in 2018, is most likely to shift its political stance and move closer to the BJP.

As a first move in this regard, the JD(S) may become part of the BJP headed NDA (National Democratic Alliance) at the Centre. Former Chief Minister and senior JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is said to be upset with the Congress for the collapse of coalition Government, is ready to reach an understanding with the ruling BJP in the State. 

 Kumaraswamy, who became CM for the first time in 2006 with support from BJP, is said to have realised that BJP is a better partner than Congress, especially after his bitter experience with Congress in 2018, after the fall of the Congress Government.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the BJP too seems to be ready to have an understanding with JD(S) in order to root out Congress in the State. The BJP has come up with a plan, according to which, Kumaraswamy will be given a responsible position at the Centre. However, at the moment, the merger of JD(S) with BJP is ruled out. At the same time, Kumaraswamy may put forward Bihar example where Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) is running a coalition Government with BJP. 

Kumaraswamy plans to hold  a mammoth meeting of party workers in Bengaluru on Jan.15, when it is expected that JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, would hand over the party’s mantle to his younger son H.D. Kumaraswamy.