Deve Gowda ousts CM Ibrahim for dissent against BJP alliance; makes Kumaraswamy Karnataka JD(S) chief

In the wake of Ibrahim’s claims that he represents the “original JD(S)”, the party’s national president Deve Gowda chaired an emergency core committee and legislature party meeting at its office in Bengaluru.

Opposing Deve Gowda’s decision, Ibrahim convened a meeting with ‘like-minded’ members on 16 October, proclaiming his leadership and forming a core committee to oppose the JD(S)-BJP alliance.

This presented a challenge to the party’s unity, with Ibrahim also announcing support for the Opposition’s INDIA bloc.

Following these developments, Kumaraswamy expressed anguish at Ibrahim taking a rebellious stand against the party high command’s decision to support the BJP-led NDA for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

JD(S) crisis: HDK dismisses rebellion, challenges Ibrahim’s ‘original’ declaration

Deve Gowda cuts Ibrahim down to size

In a move to counter any further escalation by Ibrahim, JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday ousted Ibrahim — a former union minister — from his position and appointed his son HD Kumaraswamy as the ad hoc president of the party’s Karnataka unit.

Exercising the powers under the party’s constitution Article 10, Deve Gowda dissolved the state president and office bearers of the state executive committee.

Deve Gowda told reporters in Bengaluru: “Considering the recent developments within the cadre, we held detailed discussions with everyone in the party. After the Assembly elections, two meetings were convened in the presence of 19 MLAs, eight MLCs, and the party president, with the former president also in attendance.”

He added: “Following these meetings, there were numerous developments, and Ibrahim expressed his sentiments. I won’t delve into the details, and I choose not to comment on his remarks. I’ve been keeping tabs on all the developments.”

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ಜನತಾದಳ (ಜಾತ್ಯತೀತ) ಪಕ್ಷದ ರಾಜ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾರ್ಯಕಾರಿ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಪದಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡಂತೆ ಈ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ಬರುವಂತೆ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ ಮಾಡಿ, ಪಕ್ಷದ ಕಾರ್ಯಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗಲು ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ‌ @hd_kumaraswamy ಅವರನ್ನು @JanataDal_S ಪಕ್ಷದ ಅಡಹಾಕ್ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರನ್ನಾಗಿ… pic.twitter.com/00bzewUTuT

— Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S) October 19, 2023

Party’s stand in other states

Deve Gowda further elaborated on the party’s presence in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, highlighting its participation in the Kerala government.

“After being explained the circumstances that led us to align with the BJP, they have given their full concurrence. Despite concerns about aligning with Muslims, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan endorsed us moving forward with the BJP to safeguard the party,” he said.

Emphasising the support of minorities for the JD(S), Deve Gowda stated, “Several Muslim leaders, including MLC BM Farooq — a key figure in formulating the party’s manifesto — have conveyed their support. Even youths from minority communities have endorsed the party’s decision.”

Deve Gowda urged everyone not to lose focus, acknowledging unique developments in every state. He noted that Karnataka had only three significant political parties — the BJP, the Congress, and the JD(S). He reiterated that minorities stand with the JD(S).

Addressing the perception of the party being solely supported by the Vokkaligas, Deve Gowda acknowledged the Vokkaliga background of core committee head and Chamundeshwari MLA GT Deve Gowda and JD(S) legislature party leader Kumaraswamy.

He clarified that the intention to replace Ibrahim with Kumaraswamy was not to make the latter the chief minister.

Deve Gowda stated, “National leaders have recognised Kumaraswamy’s leadership through initiatives like Pancharatna schemes, Jaladhare, and aid to lakhs of needy individuals. Hence, we unanimously decided that Kumaraswamy, along with leading the JD(S) Legislature Party, should also manage the state presidency. A membership drive is to be initiated, and he will remain the state president until regular elections are held.”

Deve Gowda concluded by announcing that the party would discuss and appoint new office-bearers within the next three days.

JD(S) turmoil: Karnataka chief CM Ibrahim voices dissent over BJP alliance

“All for your son,” Ibrahim taunts Deve Gowda

Ibrahim subsequently appealed to Deve Gowda to revoke his orders, opposing the JD(S) supremo’s decision.

He told reporters in Bengaluru: “They don’t have the authority to sack me. According to the party’s constitution, three-thirds of the members have to serve me notice to call for the meeting. In the meeting, members have to move a vote of confidence against me and then remove me from the position. This is the norm.”

Actually, one-third of the members would be needed to serve the notice.

Taking a dig at Deve Gowda, Ibrahim said, “I am fasting on Thursday. On that day, my son lost his life while resolving the Idgah Maidan issue in Hubballi. I lost my son to resolve the issue, but ensured that your government was stable. Today, because of your son, you are sacrificing the lives of other children. You removed me, but should have made GT Deve Gowda the state president. Why didn’t you do it?”

Continuing his tirade against the JD(S) supremo, Ibrahim said, “This clearly displays the love you have for your son. You have provoked; wait and see what happens next. There is a God.”

He also said: “I am the state president; they cannot remove me. I will go to the Election Commission. I will also immediately approach the court and seek a stay on this appointment. Until this legal battle is culminated in the court, they should not take a decision.”

He added, “Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already made decisions. I saw you (Deve Gowda) as a father figure. Is this the way you shower love on your son? I still had four years of tenure as an MLC, but eschewed that to join hands with you.”

He also said: “He made Thippeswamy telephone me and invited me to discuss the alliance. The new decision is a surprise. I have not yet been communicated this; I came to know only after watching the media.”

He reiterated, “The party high command and leaders did not discuss the alliance with me. If they are claiming that they discussed with me, then let them produce the evidence.”