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Published Oct 08, 2024 | 9:18 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 08, 2024 | 4:26 PM
JD(S) MLA GT Devegowda sprang a surprise by backing CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam. (supplied)
In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.
Just when everyone thought the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam would rock Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s chair, along comes JD(S) MLA GT Devegowda with a reassuring pat on the back, making everyone wonder if anything is astounding in Karnataka politics.
Devegowda, representing Chamundeshwari—Siddaramaiah’s old stronghold—did what some might call predictable: he defended his old friend-turned-foe-turned-ally.
It wasn’t long ago that Devegowda and his son GD Harish Gowda, who currently represents Hunsur assembly seat, were reportedly gearing up to join the Congress ahead of the 2023 Karnataka assembly polls. Though they never officially switched, it looks like their heart might have stayed behind with Siddaramaiah all along.
With the BJP and JD(S) demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation over the MUDA scam, and some factions within the Congress rubbing their hands in anticipation of a leadership shuffle, Devegowda’s show of support is a classic case of just when you think you know, you don’t.
His recent comments during the Dasara inauguration in Mysuru? A smooth defence of Siddaramaiah, brushing off the scandal as a mere ‘accidental incident’ and reminding everyone that an FIR isn’t exactly a career-ending crisis in politics.
But Devegowda didn’t stop there. He took the opportunity to poke his own party’s leadership, hinting that if an FIR means a politician must resign, then, well why isn’t everyone else including Union ministers doing the same?
It was a veiled dig at JD(S) state president and Union Minister for Steels and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy and others, a reminder that political convenience often outdoes morality, especially when survival is at stake.
Devegowda’s support for Siddaramaiah has rattled many, but it’s not all that shocking if you look at their history. Both have walked the Chamundeshwari battleground and, despite their political differences, share a rapport that transcends party politics.
Devegowda’s words serve as a sharp contrast to the Congress factions eager for Siddaramaiah’s downfall, reminding everyone that in Karnataka’s political theatre, it’s often about who stands by you in the storm, not who’s waiting to take your place.
The takeaway? While many in the Congress may be waiting for the CM’s fall to stake their claim on the throne, Devegowda has thrown in a curveball by backing Siddaramaiah, making it clear that sometimes, old friendships run deeper than party lines. So, as Karnataka’s opposition parties smell blood in the water, it turns out, Siddaramaiah still has a few unexpected lifelines left—and GT Devegowda just might be one of the strongest.
