JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy said the party had fielded a candidate in MLC polls not with the expectation of winning, but to keep its flock of MLAs together while also testing their loyalty.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Making it clear that he was neither shocked nor surprised by the cross-voting by JD(S) MLAs in the recent elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said the loyalty of party MLAs had been tested by fielding a candidate.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the party had fielded a candidate not with the expectation of winning, but to keep its flock of MLAs together while also testing their loyalty. “Four JD(S) MLAs have resorted to cross-voting. I have complete information about them,” he said.
‘Multiple reasons for betrayal’
Without identifying the legislators who had allegedly betrayed the party, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the reasons behind their actions ranged from frustration over the lack of developmental works in their constituencies to their own future political calculations. He said he was aware of the meetings, discussions and activities of the MLAs who had cross-voted. The election, however, had taught him not to place excessive trust in anyone, he remarked.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Legislative Council polls would not significantly alter the political landscape and that the real battle lay in the Assembly elections scheduled for 2028.
Strengthening JD(S)
Expressing confidence in the commitment of honest party workers, he said the JD(S) would focus on strengthening its organisation ahead of the next Assembly elections and provide opportunities to youngsters and members of Gen Z.
When veteran JD(S) leader and Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda was brought up, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he did not wish to discuss him. “That chapter is over,” he said, adding that Mr. Devegowda had kept “not just one leg, but both legs out of the party”.
Asked about Mr. G.T. Deve Gowda’s recent meeting with JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr. Kumaraswamy said his stand on the Chamundeshwari MLA was clear and indicated that he would not alter the decision he had taken in the interest of the party.
‘Tenure as Union minister temporary’
Responding to a question on his return to Karnataka politics, Mr. Kumaraswamy said his tenure as a Union Minister was only “temporary”, while Karnataka remained his “permanent” political arena. “I do not need to make a fresh entry into Karnataka politics,” he said.
Mr. Kumaraswamy also reiterated that he would continue his fight against the proposed Bidadi township project and said all relevant documents pertaining to the issue would be released during the next session of the State Legislature.
Published – June 19, 2026 01:47 pm IST
