Opinion: The Challenges For 'Friends-With-Benefits' BJP And JD(S)

The Karnataka election results have brought together strange bedfellows trying to forge a united opposition in the state. Despite ideological differences, the proximity between the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) is growing. Top leaders from both the parties have backed each other in the legislative assembly and on public platforms. This has led to questions on when the two parties will formally announce their strategy for next year's Lok Sabha elections. There have always been broad hints that the JD(S) could join the NDA camp any time.

The absence of JD(S) from the NDA meet in Delhi last week raised many eyebrows. HD Kumaraswamy, who had clearly shown his preference for the BJP, was not invited to the meet, apparently due to strong opposition from a section of Karnataka BJP leaders. The BJP's national leadership wants an alliance with the JD(S) to boost its prospects in Karnataka, especially after the drubbing in the state election in May.

It was former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP who first indicated that both the parties were exploring the possibility of forming an alliance for the national election.