While some support Nikhil’s appointment for his youth, family ties, and financial backing, others strongly oppose it, questioning his political experience and accusing the leadership of favouring dynastic politics, potentially jeopardising the party's future
Published Dec 08, 2024 | 4:46 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 08, 2024 | 10:15 PM
JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda hints at Nikhil Kumaraswamy succeeding his father as the party's state unit president. (supplied)
The potential development of JD(S) Youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy succeeding his father HD Kumaraswamy as the JD(S) state president, has ignited a fierce backlash among several party MLAs. The MLAs are outraged that the decision is being made without their consultation, and that family is being given priority over senior leaders.
While some leaders back Nikhil’s appointment due to his youthful appeal, family ties and strong financial background, many others are vehemently opposed to it, questioning his political experience and accusing the leadership of prioritising dynastic politics over merit. Some are even claiming that it might put the party’s prospects in to jeopardy.
JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, who heads the party at the national level, gave a hint about his grandson Nikhil Gowda Kumaraswamy possibly being named as the JD(S) Karnataka unit president in the coming days.
Despite Nikhil’s loss in the last three elections, the party leadership mulling his name as Kumaraswamy’s successor has irked some of the MLAs, cautioning of defecting to other parties.
In a significant development, JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda has given an indication that his grand-son Nikhil Kumaraswamy is likely to be named as the next party president in Karnataka.
Deve Gowda told reporters: “Since Kumaraswamy has been appointed as a Union Minister, it has been challenging for him to focus on the party’s affairs. While he is currently overseeing the party matters, Nikhil may eventually take on the responsibility of leading the party.”
“He is a young leader with a promising future. He has a good understanding of politics, and we plan to entrust him with higher responsibilities. Under his leadership, the party will be strengthened at the grassroots level,” said Deve Gowda.
Emphasising that winning elections is not the sole criterion for becoming the state unit president, the former Prime Minister added: “Winning and losing elections are part of the democratic process. Political success is not solely defined by being elected or becoming a legislator or parliamentarian.”
It may be recalled that Nikhil Kumaraswamy faced defeat in his first major electoral contest in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Mandya. His second defeat came in the 2023 Assembly polls from Ramanagara, and he suffered a third consecutive loss in the 2024 assembly by-polls from Channapatna.
JD(S) leaders highlight that Nikhil Kumaraswamy is being considered for the state president post due to his youthful appeal, strong connection to the Deve Gowda family, and the necessity of maintaining leadership continuity as HD Kumaraswamy takes on his new national role.
JD(S) senior leader and former minister SR Mahesh told South First: “HD Kumaraswamy is not able to dedicate sufficient time to Karnataka, especially for party affairs. The state core committee and the JD(S) legislature party are currently being headed by others.”
Mahesh further added, “The membership of the standing committees will be finalised soon. New leaders, including taluka presidents, will be elected. There is a general consensus among party MLAs, MPs, MLCs, former ministers, and leaders to consider Nikhil as the party’s next state unit president.”
Mahesh indicated that Nikhil’s election would follow a democratic process, stating: “We will not simply nominate Nikhil as the state president. Instead, he will be elected. First, taluka and district presidents will be chosen through elections. We will gather their opinions and then decide whether to appoint Nikhil as the next party president or not. Our aim is to appoint him as the head of the state unit through proper elections.”
When questioned about choosing Nikhil over senior leaders, Mahesh explained: “The JD(S) owes its survival to the tireless efforts of party workers and the image of leaders like Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. While there are many senior leaders, including myself and GT Devegowda, some trusted individuals have betrayed the party in the past by leaving us.”
“This is a crucial decision for the party’s state leadership. In the past, when others were made party president, Kumaraswamy was available to oversee party affairs. However, as he is now serving as a Union Minister, the party’s growth and management need to be handled by someone from Deve Gowda’s family. That’s why Nikhil is being considered as his successor,” he added.
“Importantly, rebuilding the party requires strong financial backing. Who else would be willing to spend from their own resources to strengthen the party? This is why many believe Nikhil is the right choice,” elaborated Mahesh.
Gurumitkal MLA Sharanagouda Kandakur told South First: “The party high command is making a right choice, with mulling Nikhil to succeed his father. He might have lost the elections, but has the charm, courage and political maturity to lead the party.”
“I am going to ask those party leaders who are opposing his name – are there any other efficient leaders in the cadre? Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy are the face of the party. I completely support Nikhil,” added Kandakur.
The simmering discontent within the JD(S) has reached a boiling point, with several MLAs blindsided by reports that Nikhil Kumaraswamy is being considered for the party’s top post in Karnataka.
This decision, allegedly made without consulting senior leaders or elected representatives, has sparked outrage among some of the party legislators, who see it as yet another instance of dynastic politics overshadowing merit and collective decision-making.
On condition of anonymity, a JD(S) MLA from Kolar told South First: “I was shell shocked to learn it through media instead of the party leadership. The party leadership – be it Deve Gowda or Kumaraswamy – are yet to discuss with the party MLAs, MPs & MLCs about naming Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the state chief.”
“The fate of JD(S) MLAs is such that we are getting the party’s news through media. I am perplexed about how important decisions of the party are being made without consulting with senior leaders and legislators,” the JD(S) MLA said.
When asked whether he is ready to accept Nikhil as party president, the MLA pointed: “I had no objections for him to head our party, if he had won in at least one of the three elections he fought. He neither has the experience of being an elected member nor understands the pulse of the party workers & people.”
“He has lost three consecutive elections, yet he is being made the state party chief. I am gutted about how things are going ahead in the party,” the JD(S) MLA added that this is compelling many leaders to look for other parties for a better and secure future.
Another JD(S) MLA from the old-Mysuru region, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment over the current state of affairs in the party, particularly after the assembly by-polls. “I am deeply dismayed at the direction the party is being taken. Nikhil is unfit to be made the state president, especially after his repeated defeats in three consecutive elections,” the MLA told South First.
“How many elections has he actually won? What significant contributions has he made to the party besides being Kumaraswamy’s son? Aren’t there any capable senior leaders who can take the reins? When will the leadership acknowledge that Deve Gowda’s overindulgence in promoting family members is seriously damaging the party’s image and growth?” the MLA asked, posing a series of pointed questions.
The legislator emphasised that the party should consider experienced leaders such as GT Devegowda, SR Mahesh, Bandeppa Kashempur, Suresh Babu, or even a promising youngster like Sharanagouda Kandakur, and back them to lead the state unit, rather than favouring family members.
Another senior JD(S) MLA, who requested anonymity, told South First: “Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy make decisions unilaterally and announce them without consulting party MLAs. This reflects the lack of respect shown towards MLAs by the party leadership.”
The MLA added, “If any MLA openly opposes Nikhil’s name for the state president’s post, they risk being targeted. Due to this attitude of the leadership, most MLAs and leaders avoid expressing their honest opinions and instead continue to support them for their political survival.”
“We hold Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy in high regard. However, it’s high time the leadership prioritises the betterment of the party over their family interests. If this approach doesn’t change, the day isn’t far when we (like-minded leaders) might have to consider other parties for a better future,” the MLA warned.
Another JD(S) MLA voiced frustration over the lack of a serious assessment meeting following the party’s defeat in the Channapatna by-polls. “The leadership organised a so-called assessment meeting, but only five of the 18 MLAs attended,” the MLA revealed.
“More than half of the elected members didn’t even bother to show up. This reflects how disconnected and uncommitted the high command is to making meaningful changes for the party’s betterment,” the MLA told South First.
“If the leadership proceeds with appointing an inexperienced Nikhil as the state president, the party will face severe consequences,” the MLA warned, hinting at the possibility of switching to another party for a better political future.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
