Bengaluru:Â “I have said 12 seats should be given to us, but I will also not be rigid in saying that they should give us 12,” said JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda yesterday indicating that his party would show flexibility in seat sharing talks with Congress for the coming Lok Sabha polls.
Even as Congress and JDS are likely to hold seat-sharing discussions today, Gowda yesterday announced, “By loosening our stand a bit… a final decision should be arrived at. You (Congress) should also have that mentality, I have said. Finally we will come to a decision cordially.” In an attempt bring to an end all speculation and talk that differences may emerge within the coalition during discussions on seat sharing, he said the main focus was to halt the BJP’s progress and that he would not be adamant in his demand for seats.
On 25 February, the ruling coalition partners held the first round of seat-sharing talks and the Congress had insisted that winnability would be the main criteria, while the JD(S) maintained its stand to contest 12 seats of the total 28 seats banking on its two-third, one-third formula. However, Congress has said the seat sharing should be based on merit.
Sources have revealed JD(S) is keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga.