Bengaluru, March 19: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the JD(S) was committing suicide by fielding former Prime Minister H D Devegowda's son-in-law Dr C N Manjunath on a BJP ticket.

The BJP gave a ticket to the renowned cardiologist and the retired director of state-owned Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. He will fight the election against Shivakumar's brother and three-time MP D K Suresh.

Referring to Kumaraswamy's statement that the JD(S) did not need an alliance with the BJP to contest in two seats, Shivakumar said, "I expected this. The JDS is embarrassed by the alliance with the BJP."

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar added, "The BJP has been doing this to its partners in other states too. It is their internal matter, let them decide."

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He said the JD(S) is committing suicide by fielding Dr Manjunath on a BJP ticket.

Asked about plans to induct BJP MP and former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda into Congress, he said, "It is natural for politicians to contest elections for another party when they are denied a ticket. We will take in anyone who joins the party, accepting Congress party ideology."

Asked specifically if Sadananda Gowda would be given a Congress ticket he said, "I can't comment on that."

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Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended a fresh military offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling it “more sweeping than previously announced” and asserting that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”

Speaking amid mounting condemnation at home and abroad over the 22-month conflict, Netanyahu said the security cabinet had directed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi. These areas, according to UN estimates, shelter more than half a million displaced people and had not been mentioned in Israel’s earlier announcement on Friday.

A source familiar with the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Israel’s plans to extend military action to both areas. Netanyahu maintained that “safe zones” would be established, though such areas have been bombed in previous strikes.

The announcement came as heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City late Sunday. Shortly before midnight, Al Jazeera confirmed the killing of its correspondent Anas al-Sharif in a targeted Israeli strike. The attack hit a tent for Al Jazeera journalists outside the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital, an area known for hosting medical personnel.

Shifa Hospital’s administrative director, Rami Mohanna, said the strike killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell responsible for orchestrating rocket attacks. Sharif was killed moments after posting a video showing intense bombardment in Gaza City.