Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 20: Even as efforts are on to strengthen the organizational structure of the JD(S) with an eye on returning to power in the state in 2023 election, the efforts are weakened by some discordant notes coming in from eminent leaders of the party.

There are indications that the war of words between former chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, and veteran leader of the party from Mysuru, G T Devegowda, may result in a face-off between the two. Kumaraswamy has notified Devegowda to discuss with H D Deve Gowda if he has any problems, and not to issue public statements.

H D Kumaraswamy

At a meeting of party elders held on Monday, Kumaraswamy had spoken aggressively about certain leaders who have been maintaining distance from the efforts being made to strengthen the party's organizational setup. He had satirically commented that those who are actually ill can be treated with medicines, and nothing can be done for those who act as if they are sick. In a sharp reaction, Devegowda stated at Mysuru that acting skills can well be imbibed from Kumaraswamy.

"With my support and blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Kumaraswamy became the chief minister. I have done nothing to unseat him. If I had a lust for power, I could have easily become a minister. I plan to continue as a legislator for two years and then decide whether to fight the election or not," he stated.

In reply, speaking at Channapatna on Tuesday, Kumaraswamy indirectly said that opportunities have been given to those who are interested in building the party as Devegowda has expressed his disinclination to build the party. He wanted to know whether it is justified to give a post just for printing visiting cards.

Some JD(S) leaders, in an effort to patch up the differences and stop the party from suffering losses, have been assuring that they will never desert the party.

Former minister, Bandeppa Kashempur said that just because the team of observers formed to build the party does not have names of G T Devegowda and Madhu Bangarappa does not mean that they will leave the party. He said that Kumaraswamy and Deve Gowda will sort out the problems if any faced by leaders.