By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, April 24 -- The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka mark a critical juncture for the Janata Dal (Secular), which is grappling with the challenge of retaining its political relevance following a significant setback against the Congress in last year's state assembly elections.
In a clear-cut electoral face-off, the ruling Congress is pitted against the BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance in the state. The Congress is fielding candidates across all 14 constituencies, while the BJP has nominated candidates in 11 seats.
The JDS, in alliance with the BJP, is contesting in three key constituencies - Hassan, Mandya, and Kolar.
In this high-stakes electoral battle, the party's 90-year-old patriarch and former Prim...