Are JD(S) MLAs upset with H D Deve Gowda, H D Kumaraswamy?

Bengaluru: Janata Dal (S) MLA from Magadi, H.D. Balakrishna’s fight with party supremo, H.D. Deve Gowda and his son, H.D. Kumaraswamy over what he described as a wavering stand on striking political alliances, has more than what meets the eye.

Many legislators like Mr Balakrishna, are cut up with Mr Deve Gowda and Mr Kumaraswamy because they feel the father-and-son duo preferred candidates from outside the party cadre for the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha seats. With the  Council elections from local bodies approaching, these legislators seem determined to prevent Mr Gowda from putting up outsiders and instead want to accommodate more party workers.

Mr Balakrishna recently criticised the father and son saying, “They should take a firm decision which party we should align with. I am a four-time MLA and still, I haven’t been part of a ruling dispensation. People elect me because they love me. How long will they support me if I do not join a government? Mr Kumaraswamy became popular after he became CM. If we become ministers we can do work and become popular. They have to take a call on the alliance, otherwise legislature party members may take a call on their future.” In retaliation, Mr Kumaraswamy said that MLAs were free to quit. “I heard a cabinet reshuffle is round the corner. He (Mr Balakrishna) can join that party and become something. No one is stopping him,” Mr Kumaraswamy shot back. Sources in the party said Mr Kupendra Reddy, a city-based realtor became Rajya Sabha MP with the help of JD(S) and so did  a gold merchant, T.A.

Saravana who became an MLC. “The legislators suspect that these two leaders  paid hefty amounts to the family to get party tickets. The legislators who needed funds for managing workers in their constituencies, had once met Mr Kumaraswamy and sought funds. However, the request was turned down. Ever since this, the legislators are upset with the father and son.” Now, the legislators have reportedly decided to prevent outsiders from enjoying the party’s patronage at the cost of genuine workers. More leaders might come out against the family in the days to come, sources added.