Channapatna bypoll dispute rattles BJP-JD(S) alliance

Bengaluru: Tensions are rising within the BJP-JD(S) alliance as the Channapatna assembly bypoll draws near, with both parties refusing to back down on candidate selection. A faction of BJP functionaries has even suggested breaking ties with JD(S), calling the alliance a "liability" for the saffron party.
Bypolls to three assembly seats — Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur — are likely to be announced this week, alongside assembly elections in Maharashtra.Of the three, Channapatna has emerged the focal point of conflict between BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner JD(S). The seat is right in the Vokkaliga heartland, a bastion of JD(S), leading to a struggle to agree on who should contest.
JD(S) is adamant on fielding a candidate, pointing out that party chief HD Kumaraswamy was the incumbent MLA before he vacated it after winning the Lok Sabha seat from Mandya in May. Kumaraswamy, now a Union minister, has hinted that his son, Nikhil, may be the party's nominee, following strong support from JD(S) cadres in Channapatna.
But BJP functionaries are pushing for their own candidate, CP Yogeshwar, an MLC, who won the seat five times in the past, arguing his established popularity and stronger regional presence.
The disagreement has stirred unrest within BJP, with some members, especially from the Vokkaliga belt, urging the party to sever ties with JD(S) and contest future elections independently. They are drawing comparisons to BJP's decision to part ways with the pro-Jat JJP in Haryana, where the party secured a victory on its own.
"BJP offered Mandya Lok Sabha seat to JD(S) even though the independent MP who won in 2019 had sworn allegiance to us," said BJP general secretary Preetham Gowda, emphasising the importance of coalition unity. "Kumaraswamy became a Union minister because of that gesture. He should now show similar magnanimity in Channapatna if he is sincere about the NDA's victory and the continuation of our alliance."
The allies are now at the crossroads. If JD(S) refuses to relent, the alliance could fracture, potentially giving Congress the advantage in the bypoll. Deputy chief minister and Congress state president DK Shivakumar has already taken it upon himself to secure victory for his party.
Speculation is also growing that Yogeshwar may contest on a Congress ticket if BJP fails to convince JD(S) to relinquish the seat. But Yogeshwar said: "I am still confident I will get the BJP ticket and NDA's support. If there is no consensus, I may consider contesting independently as the people of Channapatna want me to represent them. Joining Congress is not on my mind at present."
Kumaraswamy, fully aware of mounting tensions, has kept his options open, indicating that JD(S) is willing to negotiate with BJP to preserve the alliance. "Our cadres believe Nikhil should contest. But we have kept all options open for the sake of NDA's interests. We will finalise the candidate after talks with BJP brass," Kumaraswamy said.
In Hassan, Kumaraswamy on Monday reiterated that a decision will be taken after consultations with BJP, "within a week".