JD(S) Stages Political Comeback Bid in Hassan Amid Family Crisis
In a significant political move, the Janata Dal (Secular) held a major convention in Hassan on Saturday, aiming to signal a revival in its traditional stronghold. This comes amid a severe political churn triggered by the arrest of former MP Prajwal Revanna and other family members in sexual offence cases.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy Against Congress Government
Senior JD(S) leaders used the platform to launch a fierce attack on the ruling Congress government in Karnataka. They alleged a systematic conspiracy to weaken the Deve Gowda family and wipe out the party from the state's political landscape. According to party leaders, the Congress views JD(S) as a significant political threat that needs to be neutralized.
Addressing the gathering, JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda made serious allegations against the Congress. He revealed that the Congress had organized two conventions in Hassan district over the past two-and-a-half years specifically aimed at finishing JD(S). "But all their efforts have been in vain," declared the veteran leader.
Deve Gowda's Emotional Address and Health Revelation
Striking an emotional chord, the 91-year-old leader shared personal health struggles, revealing he undergoes dialysis three times a week following kidney failure a few months ago. "I underwent dialysis on Friday and am sitting here today. This is all to revive the party. I am not sure how long I will live," he said, highlighting his commitment to the party's revival despite health challenges.
Deve Gowda pointed to the substantial turnout at the convention as evidence of continued public support. "Today's turnout reflects continued support for the party and its leadership. People have given a clear message," he asserted confidently.
Allegations of SIT Misuse and Political Targeting
The former Prime Minister made serious allegations regarding the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing cases involving his family. He claimed the investigation was being misused for political purposes. "SIT officials through whom our opponents in power tried to finish HD Revanna and his family have been rewarded in various forms. It was a clear conspiracy," he alleged.
Reflecting on his long political career, Deve Gowda recalled repeated attempts to destroy his political journey. "They put cases against me and made me lose assembly elections. But people elected me to the Lok Sabha in 1991. I became Prime Minister," he stated, emphasizing his resilience against political adversaries.
JD(S)-BJP Alliance and Future Plans
On the current political alignment, Deve Gowda addressed the JD(S)-BJP alliance directly. He recalled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once terming JD(S) as the BJP's 'B team'. "Now we are in a formal alliance, part of NDA and sharing power. HD Kumaraswamy is a Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel," he clarified the party's current political standing.
The veteran leader announced significant development plans for Hassan district, revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to inaugurate major projects. These include a Rs 900-crore mega dairy project, an airport development, and an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). "We will also invite all 18 BJP-JD(S) MPs from the state," he added, showcasing the alliance's strength.
Kumaraswamy's State Politics Return and Farmer Focus
Union Minister and JD(S) state chief HD Kumaraswamy used the convention to signal his return to active state politics. He announced plans to devote more time to Karnataka to help bring a "pro-people government" to the state. Responding to queries, he described his political entry and two stints as chief minister as "accidental," suggesting this prevented him from completing his father's unfinished agenda.
Kumaraswamy specifically emphasized improving farmers' livelihoods as a key priority that remained unaddressed during his brief tenures. He also alleged that the Congress was attempting to destroy JD(S) but asserted this was impossible because "the party has evolved with the support of farmers."
Hassan's Political Significance and Current Challenges
Hassan district has long been considered a JD(S) bastion and the home turf of the Deve Gowda family. However, recent political turbulence following the arrest of Prajwal Revanna, his brother Suraj Revanna, and their parents in sexual offence cases has significantly dented the party's image locally. These developments have complicated the party's revival efforts, particularly after its alliance with the BJP.
The convention represents a crucial attempt by JD(S) to reclaim its political space in Hassan and across Karnataka. Despite the challenges posed by recent controversies and the alliance dynamics, party leaders expressed confidence in their ability to stage a political comeback, banking on traditional support bases and development promises.
