Under Karnataka pact, BJP, JD(S) faces may switch symbols in some LS seats

Aiming to make the most of their alliance in Karnataka and win a maximum number of seats in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and the JD(S) are mulling an “exchange formula” whereby their candidates may contest on each other’s symbols.

According to sources, this formula is under the BJP-JD(S) consideration for at least three constituencies in the Old Mysore region, where the BJP is looking to repeat its 2019 performance. The party had then won all but three seats in the region, going on to bag 25 of the 28 seats in the state.

Among the names doing the rounds for this “switch” agreement is C N Manjunath, the 66-year-old son-in-law of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. Manjunath, who recently retired from the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research after heading it for 18 years, is likely to be fielded as the BJP candidate from either Bangalore North or Bangalore Rural seat.

While former Union minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who announced retirement from politics in November last year, represents Bangalore North, Bangalore Rural is currently the Congress’s lone seat from the state, which is represented by D K Suresh, brother of deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar.

Manjunath told The Indian Express that he was still “in a dilemma” over his candidature. “Let me clarify in about a week. People from both the parties (BJP and JDS) have approached me and floated my name as a candidate. I will take a call after discussing the matter with my family members,” he said.

A senior JD(S) leader, on condition of anonymity, said Manjunath’s name could feature in the BJP’s list which is likely to be released in the next few days. “The list may be out after Sivaratri and he may