JD(S) Unveils Major Grassroots Mobilization Drive in Mysuru District
In a significant political move, the Janata Dal (Secular) has officially announced the launch of its extensive party outreach and strengthening campaign, titled 'Janarondige Janata Dal', in Mysuru district. The initiative will commence on February 18 and will be spearheaded by the party's youth wing chief, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who is set to tour the district extensively.
Background of Political Tensions and Strategic Shifts
This development follows recent statements by JD(S) state unit chief and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who indicated that the party would groom a new leader to retain the Chamundeshwari Assembly segment. The announcement comes amid visible strains within the party, particularly with Chamundeshwari MLA GT Devegowda, who has recently distanced himself from JD(S) and aligned more closely with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the latter's visit to Mysuru last week.
Kumaraswamy has expressed clear dissatisfaction with Devegowda's actions, ruling out any possibility of reconciliation, a stance that marks a departure from the approach taken ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. The party's leadership appears resolute in moving forward without mending fences with the dissenting MLA.
Campaign Objectives and Political Strategy
Led by JD(S) working president SR Mahesh, party functionaries outlined that the primary focus of the campaign is to strengthen the party across all 11 segments in Mysuru district. This effort is strategically aimed at taking on the Congress, with a particular emphasis on countering Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's influence in the upcoming elections.
Mahesh elaborated that the 'Janarondige Janata Dal' campaign is designed to reorganize the party at the taluk level and work towards reinstating a BJP-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka. He alleged widespread disillusionment with the Congress government, citing governance issues that have even prompted contractors to raise objections.
In response to comments from Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who urged backward communities to unite in support of the Chief Minister, Mahesh retorted that if Siddaramaiah was genuinely committed to empowering backward classes, he should consider nominating an eligible leader from the community to the legislative council instead of his son.
Grassroots Mobilization and Previous Successes
Hunsur MLA GD Harish Gowda, who is the son of GT Devegowda, provided insights into the campaign's broader context. He revealed that the 'Janarondige Janata Dal' programme has already been conducted in 52 Assembly constituencies across the state, covering over 9,000 kilometers. This extensive outreach has successfully energized party functionaries and cadres, creating a significant momentum.
Gowda emphasized that the same level of energy and commitment will be brought to Mysuru district. He expressed expectations for strong membership enrolment in the district, aligning with the state-level drive to bolster party ranks and support.
Key Participants and Future Implications
The announcement event also saw the presence of JD(S) district president Ashwin Kumar, underscoring the collective effort behind this initiative. The campaign represents a critical step in JD(S)'s strategy to consolidate its base, address internal dissent, and position itself as a formidable opponent to the Congress in Karnataka's political landscape.
As Nikhil Kumaraswamy prepares to lead the tour from February 18, all eyes will be on Mysuru to gauge the impact of this grassroots mobilization on the district's political dynamics and the broader state elections.
