A senior Muslim leader from Karnataka, Syed Shafiullah Saheb, has left the Janata Dal (Secular) party. This decision came after JDS joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and announced an alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Saheb, who was the vice-president of JD(S) Karnataka unit, decided to quit the party due to its recent partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party , led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.
Syed Shafiullah Saheb, who spent more than three decades with the JDS, explained his decision to leave the party. He expressed that he couldn’t stay with a party that has teamed up with another one that divides people based on their religion and caste. He emphasized that his conscience wouldn’t allow him to be part of such an alliance.
Shafiullah said, “I was with the party for the past 30 years. Our party always stood for secular values, and we consistently promoted the principles of secularism to the voters and the public. Now, if my party is forming an alliance with a party that fosters divisions among communities and caste, and promotes a communal agenda, we, as secular leaders, strongly oppose it.”
After leaving the JDS, Syed Shafiullah criticized the BJP for not addressing the situation in Manipur, which had experienced violence. He emphasized the distinctions in ideology between JDS and BJP, noting that his resignation stemmed from JD(S) forming an alliance with the BJP, whose ideology is rooted in Hindutva. He also expressed disapproval of the BJP-led government at the center and in Manipur regarding ethnic clashes that occurred since May. Shafiullah questioned why the BJP, in power in both places, remained silent in the face of such violence, stating, “What happened during the riots in Manipur? There is a BJP government at both the state and central levels. Violence erupted while the BJP was in charge, but the government did not address the issue.”
On Friday, the JD(S) officially joined the NDA after its leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister, H D Kumaraswamy, met with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J P Nadda in Delhi. Expressing his happiness, Nadda welcomed JD(S) into the National Democratic Alliance, saying, “I am pleased that JD(S) has chosen to be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly embrace their inclusion in the NDA. This move will further strengthen the NDA and align with the vision of Honorable PM Narendra Modi Ji for a New India, a Strong India,” as conveyed in his statement following the meeting.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended a warm welcome to the JDS as the party officially joined the NDA, expressing that the south-based party had demonstrated trust in PM Modi’s vision for a developed India. He met with former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, alongside BJP President Shri JP Nadda. Shah conveyed his appreciation, stating, “I warmly welcome JD(S) to the NDA family. Their association will guide Karnataka towards development and contribute to the growth of a stronger NDA, ultimately leading to a more robust India,” as noted in his statement.
Kumaraswamy confirmed that the alliance with the BJP has been finalized, and talks are ongoing regarding how seats will be shared. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, JD(S) had previously formed an alliance with the Congress. However, the outcome was unfavorable for both parties as the BJP won a significant victory, securing 25 out of the 28 seats in Karnataka. Even an independent candidate supported by the BJP emerged victorious in the Mandya constituency. In contrast, the Congress and JD(S) could only manage to win a single seat each.
