Hassan: The model of ‘family politics’ that the JD (S) had chosen to retain the party from the ‘operation’ of National parties like the Congress and the BJP has now begun to take a backseat.
The latest development in this election is that the brothers, who had prevented the party’s strength from shrinking in some Districts even after several breakups, have now been embroiled in a tussle over ticket distribution.
H. D. Revanna and H. D. Kumaraswamy are seeking ticket from Hassan Assembly constituency. The ongoing tug-of-war between Revanna’s family and H. D. Kumaraswamy is giving indications that the entire party will be locked up in trouble.
A few years ago, in JD (S) the situation was such that if the JD (S) contested from some constituencies in Deve Gowda’s home District of Hassan and Vokkaliga-dominated Ramanagara, Mandya, Kolar, Mysuru and Tumakuru Districts on a JD (S) ticket, it would be easy to win. However, those who did so were subjected to the ‘operation’ of the rival parties and switched sides.
The JD(S) Supremo, who was upset by the rows of party MLAs migrating, relied on a solution to maintain the strength by fielding family members in constituencies where they were confident of winning and sending them to the Assembly.
For a few decades, only a handful of members of Deve Gowda’s family were in active politics. The eldest son, H. D. Revanna has been an MLA for a long time and has a strong hold on the politics of Hassan District. H. D. Kumaraswamy later entered politics. Kumaraswamy became an MLA and MP and became Chief minister twice. Gowda’s family now has two MPs, three MLAs and one Member of the Legislative Council.
“We can bring in someone else and give them tickets and make them win. However, it is difficult to stop their defection after winning. Therefore, to save the party, we are fielding our own family members and winning,” Deve Gowda said, defending the JD(S)’ “family politics” move.
