Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda has assured that the alliance between the BJP and JD(S) will remain intact and continue across all levels of elections in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters at the JD(S) office, J.P. Bhavan, on Friday, Deve Gowda said that the understanding between the two parties would apply to elections in the Greater Bengaluru municipal corporations, Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats, as well as the upcoming Assembly polls.

He dismissed speculation about any strain in ties with the BJP. “There is no change in our relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has never spoken lightly about me. The ties between the two parties are strong,” Gowda said.

On farmers’ protests against the Bidadi township project, the JD(S) chief chose not to comment. “We are a small political party. Our effort is to preserve and strengthen it. The people will give their verdict during elections, until then we must wait,” he remarked.

Criticising the Congress government, Gowda said that its guarantee schemes had worsened the State’s financial situation. “Even their own legislators admit this. At such a time, the government has the responsibility to go beyond its limits to help the people,” he said.

The veteran leader also underlined his commitment to strengthening the JD(S) organisation. “As before, H.D. Kumaraswamy will work actively, his health is improving. Nikhil Kumaraswamy is also engaged in party work. Despite losing three elections, he has been tirelessly working across 60–65 constituencies,” Gowda noted appreciatively.

JD(S) leaders T.N. Javarayigowda, former minister Leeladevi R. Prasad, former MLA H. Ningappa, Bengaluru city unit president H.M. Ramesh Gowda, and others were present at the press meet.

Meanwhile, Deve Gowda announced that the JD(S) will hold a massive women’s convention in Bengaluru on October 12. “We expect 50,000 to 60,000 women to participate. If possible, it will be organised at the Palace Grounds,” he said.

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Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.

Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).

Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.

In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.

Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.

For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.

Brief Score:

KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).

GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).