The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), has decided not to field any candidates in the Karnataka Assembly elections and instead extend support to the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S). The BRS sources cited their friendly ties with the JD(S) and a lack of time for adequate preparation as reasons for their decision. The BRS, under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has been trying to expand its presence in neighboring Maharashtra, with Mr. Rao having addressed two rallies in Nanded and scheduled to address a public meeting in Aurangabad. The BRS may consider campaigning for JD(S) candidates if requested, but they are also concerned about splitting the anti-BJP vote in Karnataka. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy was present in Hyderabad during the events surrounding the TRS’s name change to BRS. Mr Rao may consider campaigning in support of JD(S) candidates if there is a request from the latter but no decision has been taken. BRS is also concerned about the view that its campaign may benefit the BJP in Karnataka following a split in anti-BJP votes, the sources said.
Former Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy was in attendance in Hyderabad earlier for the events regarding the name change of TRS to BRS.
It seems that the BRS is taking a cautious approach in the Karnataka Assembly elections and is not fielding any candidates, as it wants to support its friendly party JD(S). However, it is concerned that its campaign may end up benefiting the BJP due to a split in anti-BJP votes. BRS supremo and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao may consider campaigning in support of JD(S) candidates if requested, but no decision has been taken yet. H D Kumaraswamy, the former Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader, was present in Hyderabad for the events regarding the name change of TRS to BRS.
