BJP Denies Rajya Sabha Ticket to Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda

A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after the BJP decided not to nominate former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The Janata Dal (Secular) had reportedly hoped that Deve Gowda would be renominated as part of the BJP-JDS alliance arrangement. However, the BJP announced State Vice President and District Building Construction Committee in-charge Prof. M. Nagaraju as its candidate for the lone Rajya Sabha seat expected to be won by the NDA in the state.

Reacting strongly, Congress leader and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala accused the BJP of sidelining Deve Gowda and disrespecting both the JDS and the people of Karnataka. He alleged that the BJP had benefited from the support of Deve Gowda and the JDS on several key parliamentary issues but had now denied him another term in the Rajya Sabha. Elections for four Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka are scheduled for June 18, with the Congress expected to secure three seats based on its Assembly strength, while the BJP is likely to win one seat.