JD(S) Withdraws Support for BJP's Protest March

The Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) has officially withdrawn from a proposed foot march organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed at protesting alleged irregularities in land distribution by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), which includes sites allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy criticized the BJP for not consulting them in the planning stages and for appointing former BJP MLA Preetham Gowda to lead the protest, whom he accused of harming his family. Kumaraswamy also expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the march given recent heavy rains and flooding in the region. The protest was set to take place from August 3 to 10, traversing JD(S) strongholds. Despite JD(S)'s withdrawal, BJP leaders have indicated they will proceed with the planned march. The fallout highlights ongoing tensions within the coalition and raises questions about the BJP's strategy moving forward.