No question of merging JD(S) with BJP, says Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Dismissing former chief minister Siddaramaiah's suggestion that JD(S) might merge with BJP, party supremo H.D. Kumaraswamy said that though he would never think of political merger, he may extend issue based support to the ruling party, if need arises.

Taking to a social media, Kumaraswamy stated that the Janata Dal (S) is a party of Kannadigas with self-esteem. "The party, which is a strong voice of the people, will never display such stupidity. At the most we may extend issue-based support to the BJP if need be in the coming days in public interest. There is no basis for any imaginary reports on political merger."

Calling out the Congress, Mr Kumaraswamy said the party that ridiculed JD(S) as BJP's B team before the Assembly polls, had approached them and extended an invitation to form a coalition government.

"We would not have formed the government with the Congress if we were BJP's B team. There is no tacit understanding with BJP as being alleged by the Congress. Only an issue-based understanding is possible. People trust the JD (S) which took up welfare measures like waiver of farm loans and 'Badavara Bandhu' scheme besides conducting itself as per the aspirations of former prime minister H D Devegowda known for disciplined administration," Kumaraswamy asserted.

He further clarified his position saying that, "Such a situation as to commit suicide by merging JD(S) with another party has not come".