BJP-JD(S) like milk-honey, alliance strong, intact: Karnataka LoP R Ashoka
Udupi: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Sunday said the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) remains strong and intact, and that no one should attempt to create differences between the two parties.
Speaking at a press conference held at a resort in Kapu, Ashoka described the BJP–JD(S) partnership as being “like milk and honey” and said the two parties would contest upcoming elections as directed by their central leadership. He said decisions on the future course of the alliance would be taken by senior leaders, including H. D. Kumaraswamy, H. D. Deve Gowda, and top leaders of the BJP.
Responding to questions on differing statements made by BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra and Deve Gowda on contesting future elections, Ashoka said the BJP and JD(S) are partners within the NDA and that the alliance has already been announced at the national level by the party leadership, including the Prime Minister. He said there is currently no disagreement between the two parties and that the coordination with JD(S) would continue, just as it did successfully during the Lok Sabha elections.
Ashoka made it clear that the BJP is not attempting to bring down the present state government. “We are not in a mindset to topple the government. We have already seen the consequences of such actions once,” he said.
ALSO READ: Hamas confirms death of Abu Obeida, introduces new military spokesman
He further claimed that if Assembly elections are held, the BJP–JD(S) alliance would secure more than 170 seats in Karnataka, similar to the strong mandates seen in states like Telangana and Bihar.
When asked about Deve Gowda’s statement that the JD(S) may contest local body elections independently, Ashoka said Deve Gowda is a senior leader whose words carry weight, but stressed that the final decision would be taken by the NDA coordination committee. “Whatever opinions are expressed, the coordination committee’s decision will be final,” he said.
On Vijayendra’s earlier remark about the BJP winning 140 seats on its own strength, Ashoka said the state president had already clarified that the statement reflected the sentiments of party workers and not an official position. “The decision to go together is a collective one,” he added.
Ashoka also addressed questions about the BJP state president’s post, saying the party follows a democratic process with organisational elections held every three years. He said Vijayendra was nominated by the central leadership and that the decision to continue or replace him rests with the national leadership. “There is no confusion on this issue. The decision will be taken by the party high command after January,” he said.
The press conference was attended by Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former MLA Lalaji Mendon, and BJP leaders Kutyaru Naveen Shetty, Reshma Uday Shetty, Kalya Divakar Shetty, Srikant Naik and others.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
KCOCA invoked against two accused in land dispute murder case
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Police have invoked provisions of the stringent KCOCA against two people in connection with a series of violent crimes, including murder, arising out of a prolonged land dispute in this district, officials said on Monday.
According to police, section 3 of the KCOCA was invoked after an assessment revealed the accused persons' - gangster Kali Yogish and alleged land shark Yogish Acharya- alleged involvement in multiple serious offences over a sustained period.
Accused Yogish has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody by a special KCOCA court in Mysuru, while gangster Kali, who is absconding, is believed to be residing abroad.
The case dates back to December 2022, when Kaup police registered an assault case against the accused duo and their associates for allegedly attacking a person identified as Chandrashekhar and others following a dispute over land ownership.
ALSO READ: Kannada TV actress dies by suicide in Bengaluru
The conflict escalated in March 2023 with the murder of a person identified as Sharath Shetty. Police said Shetty was allegedly killed for refusing to support Yogish and for assisting Chandrashekar in the land dispute.
A murder case was registered at Kaup police station, with Chandrashekar cited as a key witness in both cases.
Police further stated that on October 20, 2025, Chandrashekar received a threat at around 8.15 pm, warning him against deposing in court. He was allegedly asked to resolve a financial dispute with Yogish Acharya and threatened with death if he failed to comply.
Based on his complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The investigation was supervised by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karkala subdivision, Harsha Priyamvada.
Accused Yogish Acharya was initially arrested on October 24, 2025, and later released on bail. He was subsequently re-arrested after the invocation of KCOCA and remanded to judicial custody, police said.
