Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Dec 13: JD(S) leaders, who have been frustrated by the way their party was decimated in the bypoll, are now worried about their political future. At the same time, most of the MLAs and MLCs from the party are disillusioned by the lackadaisical manner in which the party's top leadership is handling the party affairs. It is learnt that they are now secretly planning to break up and form separate groups in both the state assembly and legislative council.
Some JD(S) leaders were interested in crossing over to the BJP in the post-poll scenario but the BJP, which has mustered the number it requires, is not interested in admitting new people into the party. These JD(S) legislators now plan to form separate groups having about two thirds of JD(S) legislators in both the houses to maintain a separate identity. A few leaders have also begun to secretly study the legal implications they might encounter. Once the groups are formed, it would be easier for them in the future to merge with either the BJP or the Congress depending on the situation prevailing then.
Deve Gowda (left) and Kumaraswamy
It is said that this effort also is getting clandestine support from some BJP and Congress leaders.
The JD(S) leaders are thinking in terms of forming separate groups as H D Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy do not seem to be having any plans to protect their interests. The fact that BJP has forayed into certain pockets earlier considered the bastion of the JD(S) has provided them with a new problem to handle. While Deve Gowda is aged, Kumaraswamy of late is showing political inertia. H D Revanna is also not showing interest in organizing the party, it is learnt.
The JD(S) leadership so far has not done anything to assuage the feelings or handle the rebellion brewing within its cadres. However, there is likelihood of the legislative party meeting being held next week to convince the legislators to stand by the party at this time of crisis. It is said that 18 out of 34 MLAs and nine MLCs have expressed support to the idea to form separate group.
Now the JD(S) top leadership is slated to take stock of the situation and take steps to handle it effectively. It is said that former minister, G T Deve Gowda, who is one among the legislators interested to form separate groups, is inching towards the Congress.