Mysuru: Political developments within the Janata Dal (Secular) in Mysuru district have attracted attention ahead of the concluding event of the ‘Janarondige Janatadala’ campaign, scheduled to be held on Sunday in the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is expected to participate in the valedictory programme.
The event is scheduled to take place in front of Sri Nagalingeshwara Bogeshwara Temple near Ring Road in Bogadi. Discussions within the party have intensified following recent interactions involving senior leaders and comments regarding the role of Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda within the party structure.
Meeting with H.D. Deve Gowda sparks discussion
Senior JD(S) leader and former minister G.T. Devegowda recently met former Prime Minister and party patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda in Bengaluru in connection with the latter’s 93rd birthday celebrations.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, former minister and JD(S) working president Sa Ra Mahesh stated that he had no objections if the party’s national leadership accepted G.T. Devegowda.
The meeting has generated fresh discussion within political circles, particularly considering the recent developments surrounding G.T. Devegowda’s relationship with the party leadership.
Questions over role in campaign activities
The ‘Janarondige Janatadala’ campaign had commenced in Mysuru district on February 18. Political observers noted that publicity materials related to the campaign, including banners released during a press conference announcing the schedule, reportedly did not include G.T. Devegowda’s photograph.
At the same time, his son and Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda had actively participated in events conducted throughout the district.
Earlier, on February 8, H.D. Kumaraswamy had reportedly stated during a media interaction that G.T. Devegowda was not with the party and had requested the media not to raise questions regarding him.
Differences and reconciliation efforts
Reports suggest that G.T. Devegowda had maintained a degree of distance from the party leadership following the formation of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in 2018.
Political observers attributed the differences to organisational and leadership issues within the district unit.
Despite this, party leaders including H.D. Deve Gowda, H.D. Kumaraswamy and Nikhil Kumaraswamy had reportedly intervened during previous election periods to maintain unity and keep him within the party fold.
Although G.T. Devegowda had stayed away from several organisational activities, he had maintained that he remained with the party and continued focusing on constituency work.
Leaders express differing views
Speaking about his meeting with H.D. Deve Gowda, G.T. Devegowda said no political matters had been discussed and stated that the party patriarch was aware of his loyalty and honesty.
He also said that he had not yet been invited to participate in organisational responsibilities and that any future decision would depend on developments within the party.
Meanwhile, Sa Ra Mahesh stated that local leaders would not oppose his continuation if issues were resolved and loyalty to the party remained intact.
However, he also alleged that repeated changes in political positions had negatively affected the party and created confusion among grassroots workers.
The developments come at a time when JD(S) is preparing for a major political programme in the district, making internal discussions and leadership equations a closely watched subject.