Cong, JD(S) begin talks on alliance for LS polls

Karnataka's ruling coalition partners, the Congress and the JD(S), Monday began the first round of discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The two allies, who had formed the government after striking a post-poll alliance after the May assembly elections threw up a hung verdict, have decided to fight the parliamentary polls together under a coalition arrangement.

Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao and deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and public works minister H D Revanna and Janata Dal (Secular) state president Adagur H Vishwanath met and discussed the alliance issue.

The two parties did not reveal the outcome of the meeting. However, Rao termed it fruitful while the Congress insisted that "winnability" would be the criteria while finalising the seat sharing formula.

Later speaking to reporters, Rao said, "We had a very good discussion. It was in accordance with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's wish, who had asked us to start the first phase of discussion."
Earlier, Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Winnability of the candidates will be the only yardstick to decide seat-sharing agreement & we are hopeful that the outcomes of the meetings shall satisfy both the parties."