Rahul Gandhi Pledges Full Support for JD(S) in Karnataka

Congress-JD(S) held a joint rally that is seen as a move to pacify party workers on seat-sharing.

Bengaluru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday pledged his party’s full support to JD(S) candidates in Karnataka.

Addressing a joint rally called the ‘Parivarthana Samavesha’ here with his party’s alliance partner, Gandhi said “every Congress worker will wholeheartedly work for the victory of JD(S) candidates.”

Gandhi’s assurance comes in the backdrop of serious differences in his party over seat-sharing agreement with the JD(S).

Speaking in the presence of JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda and Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Gandhi said the alliance’s strength will withstand any threat.

In his address, Kumaraswamy said today’s meeting is historic and “it will send a clear message to people of the country from Karnataka for Lok Sabha polls.” 

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was lying on the relief given by the Karnataka government to farmers in the State.

In his address, Deve Gowda said the BJP has to be defeated and shown its place in the coming Lok Sabha polls.
Several Congress and JD(S) ministers, legislators and leaders took part in the rally.

Despite assurances from Gandhi, dissidence over seat-sharing among workers of both parties, who have been arch rivals for decades, has caused worry to the leadership in the state. According to the sources, today’s joint campaign was aimed at addressing this disgruntlement and send out a message that both the alliance partners are together.

The people of Karnataka will vote in two phases, 14 constituencies each, on April 18 and 23. Results will be out on May 23.