In AIMIM, JD(S) finds third non-Karnataka ally

The JD(S) has received a shot in the arm with the Telangana-based All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) announcing support for it in the upcoming Assembly elections.

After the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and K Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), AIMIM is the third non-Karnataka party to have extended support to the regional party.

On Monday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi announced his party’s decision on Twitter. Owaisi also clarified that his party would not be contesting any seats in the polls, an option which he was earlier exploring.

“MIM has decided to support JD(S) in Karnataka assembly elections @hd_kumaraswamy. We want non-Congress and non-BJP government in Karnataka for a qualitative development. MIM will not be fielding any candidates. I will address public meetings,” read his tweet.

The JD(S) leadership is more than enthused by this latest development. Speaking to DH, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda said that he “wholeheartedly” welcomed the external support.

“Earlier, I had held discussions with Owaisi in New Delhi — I am good friends with him. Now the talks have come to fruition. I wholeheartedly welcome the support Owaisi has extended. The point is, our own party candidates in Bidar, Raichur, Koppal and other districts, have sought his support,” said Gowda.

When asked if AIMIM’s communal stance would harm JD(S)’s image, Gowda said that Owaisi’s fights were based on ideologies. “He has not disrespected Hindus. There is a negative campaign against him,” he added.

Party state president H D Kumaraswamy said that Owaisi’s support to the JD(S) was a fitting reply to the Congress which had questioned the party’s secular credentials.

He also said that Telangana Chief Minister KCR was instrumental in AIMIM extending support to the JD(S).