JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the party following a lacklustre performance in the recent Karnataka Assembly elections. The former Chief Minister revealed that the plans for rejuvenation involve forming a high-level committee inclusive of all community representatives, as suggested by JD(S) National President and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.
“We aim to delegate more responsibilities this time, guided by our national president, and use that to build public trust and solidify our party. Major changes are expected as part of this restructuring,” Kumaraswamy expressed.
The overhaul includes ongoing consultations with leaders across all 30 districts to decide on the reshaping of the party. JD(S) secured only 19 of the 224 seats in the last Assembly polls, landing them in a distant third position. This outcome led to state president C M Ibrahim and youth wing chief Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s resignations, yet to be accepted, in assuming moral accountability for the election debacle.
Party chief Deve Gowda has scheduled a meeting with party leaders to review the party’s election performance, discuss organisational strengthening, and the restructuring of taluk and district units as needed. The agenda also includes planning for upcoming zilla, taluk, corporation polls, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In light of the Congress government’s promises made during the election, Kumaraswamy stated the JD(S) would monitor their fulfilment, particularly regarding state irrigation projects.
The JD(S) leader criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for blaming the opposition for spreading misleading information about the guarantee schemes, urging him to fulfil his electoral promises.
Kumaraswamy added, “We will examine the number of beneficiaries of these guarantees in the coming days… Let’s give the new government some time. We will discuss these matters on the floor of the Assembly.” He insisted that if the Congress government fails to fulfil its commitments, the JD(S) will fulfil its duty as an opposition by raising public awareness.