Owaisi announces support to JD(S)

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi announced that his party would not contest in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections.

AIMIM has extended its support for former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular). "We feel both national parties have totally failed", said Owaisi. "The central election committee of the party has decided the first 72 names for the ensuing Karnataka legislative assembly elections", said the BJP's state unit in a statement. He said: "In the current situation, it is beneficial to support the JD (S). We want non-Congress and no- BJP govt in Karnataka for a qualitative development".

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy said he welcomed Owaisi's decision. I had a talk with Kumaraswamy. "They may have a small presence in a few constituencies by virtue of minority population but when you look at the larger picture, it makes no difference who they support", said Malavika Avinash, BJP spokesperson. Owaisi said it was in the interest of Karnataka and the nation that Kumaraswamy became CM. "Congress has been working against us and AIMIM did not have an alternative other than JD (S)", sources said. "We will definitely benefit from these coalitions. MIM will not be fielding any candidates I will address public meetings support of JD (S) if there is need (sic)", Owaisi tweeted. "Even if there is an increase of vote share by 2-3%, it will help me achieve my dream of winning 113 seats", he added.

Asaduddin Owaisi told The New Indian Express that his party will try its best to ensure that the JD (S) comes to power.

Karnataka polls are scheduled to be held on May 12, with the counting on May 15. "There is no big departure from its political stand, because the JD (S)'s campaign is traditionally to consolidate Vokkaliga votes and attempt to win some Muslim votes".