Now, tussle in BJP–JD(S) alliance over Karnataka CM face; BY Vijayendra camp pushes 2028 pitch, rival factions resist

BENGALURU: Even as internal wrangling over the chief minister's post continues to trouble governing Congress, a similar tussle appears to be brewing within the opposition BJP–JD(S) alliance. While a section of BJP functionaries is pitching state president BY Vijayendra as the party's chief ministerial face for the 2028 assembly elections, a rival camp is resisting the move.

The tussle is significant since a series of elections are lined up over the next two years and speculation is mounting that Union minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy could emerge as the NDA's chief ministerial face.


BJP is set to hold a state executive meeting Thursday to chalk out strategy for bypolls in Davanagere South and Bagalkot assembly seats, as well as elections to local bodies, including Greater Bengaluru corporations and panchayats.

"These back-to-back elections are ideal preparation for the 2028 assembly polls," said Shantha Gouda T Patil, president, BJP Bagalkot district. "Since it is certain we will win a majority on our own, it is the right time to talk about BJP's CM face. People's opinion is that Vijayendra, the state president, is the natural choice."

The debate has intensified after Nitin Nabin took over as BJP national president, with discussions on positions in the state unit gaining momentum. However, senior members have sought to downplay the speculation.

"Ours is a national party with strong leadership at the Centre. Central brass will decide on who will lead," said Aravind Bellad, deputy leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly.

Meanwhile, a debate over the continuation of the alliance with JD(S) is also growing louder. A significant section of functionaries is said to have argued against the alliance during a recent meeting on Greater Bengaluru elections, attended by observers led by party veteran Ram Madhav.

This section believes BJP has a fair chance of securing a majority independently and that continuing the alliance may not be politically prudent given the current political climate in the state.

"A decision on the alliance will be taken by our national brass," said Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, leader of the opposition in the legislative council. "As for who should be the CM face, it is natural that our party candidate will be chief minister if we win 113 seats (simple majority)."

His remarks assume significance since the buzz around Kumaraswamy's potential return to active state politics has grown stronger, and JD(S) is seeking to revive its pan-Karnataka presence by strengthening its grassroots. The regional outfit has planned a mega Jana Samavesha rally in Vijayapura on Feb 27, followed by another rally in Bengaluru on March 8.

Kumaraswamy recently chaired a JD(S) meeting to review preparations for Greater Bengaluru polls and he clarified that the BJP–JD(S) alliance remains intact. He also said discussions on the CM face are premature.

"All that Kumaraswamy said is that the main objective is to dislodge the corrupt Congress govt. As for an alliance for local bodies polls, brass in BJP and JD(S) will take a call after consulting state functionaries," said KA Tippeswamy, JD(S) election coordinator.