Karnataka Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP-JD(S) Alliance Dynamics and Deve Gowda's Future

Four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka will be decided in polls on June 18. Congress is expected to secure three seats. The BJP and JD(S) alliance is likely to get one seat. This has led to discussions about the BJP supporting former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda for another term.

The terms of four Rajya Sabha MPs from Karnataka are set to end, with polls on June 18. Of the four seats, the BJP holds two, while the Congress and the JD(S) hold one each.

With the current Assembly numbers, Congress is set to win three RS seats while the BJP-JD(S) combine is likely to secure one, fuelling speculation over BJP backing former PM HD Deve Gowda for another term in the Upper House.

At 93, Deve Gowda remains the tallest leader in the JD(S), and another term could further cement the BJP-JD(S) alliance ahead of the next Assembly elections.

On Friday, the Karnataka BJP proposed two names for the lone RS berth likely to go to the alliance. Former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda and Nirmal K Surana were among the names discussed.

Sources told ET that the state unit traditionally forwards recommendations, while the final decision rests with the BJP central leadership. Several state BJP leaders believe Deve Gowda may not be renominated because of his age, especially since his son HD Kumaraswamy is serving as a Union minister.

If the BJP decides against backing Deve Gowda, the seat is expected to go to a BJP nominee from the shortlisted names.