Bengaluru: Congress leader KC Venugopal, on Friday in Bengaluru, confirmed that the JD(S) will fight the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in alliance with the Grand Old Party.
Venugopal was addressing a press conference, along with Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy, wherein the leaders were announcing the new cabinet allocation for the state assembly.
According to the announcements, the much-coveted state Finance Ministry will be going to the JD(S). "Everything else is settled," said Venugopal.
This comes after Kumaraswamy, on the day of his swearing in, had told News18 exclusively that the JD(S) will fight the 2019 Lok Sabha election with the Congress and expressed confidence that the coalition government formed by the two parties will last the full five years in Karnataka.
The 58-year-old Vokkaliga leader took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka on March 24 at a grand ceremony attended by a galaxy of top leaders and regional satraps in a rare public show of unity perceived as a possible harbinger of a broad-based anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year.
“This government will be more stable than you realise. This is for the first time that so many national-level leaders are coming together on one stage for an oath-taking ceremony," he had said.
He also showered praise on his deputy, Congress’ Dalit face G Parameshwara, who also took oath on Wednesday. “There is no one more adjustable than Parameshwara. I can guarantee you that any difference of opinion will be solved within minutes," he said.
During the interview, the CM said that delicate balance will be required to run the government smoothly. "The Congress has their ideas and I have mine. We will work towards both of them. You will come to know of it all when my government presents a new budget," he said.
He had also promised to fulfil his campaign vow of full farm loan waiver. “I already have a blueprint on how to waive farmer loans. Let's now keep the politics aside and work towards the state's development," he said.
On minority religion status for Lingayat, Kumaraswamy told News18 that it was not a priority for him and he wants to develop the state together. “We want justice, food, shelter and peace for all. That is this government's aim," he added.
He also said weighed in on the Cauvery water sharing issue and said that his government would review the Centre’s draft proposal in the Supreme Court.
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