Defeat of JD(S) candidate forces party to introspect

The embarrassing defeat of Janata Dal (Secular) candidate Govindaraju, who secured just 14 votes following cross-voting from his party colleagues, appears to have shocked the party leadership. Though the party was hopeful of putting up a decent fight, it eventually crumbled amid cross-voting.

However, with the State Assembly elections less than two years away, party leaders believe the Council poll result will not affect the larger party base, though it calls for introspection to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots.

Allocated votes

The party, a BJP ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), believes that while four of its legislators cross-voted, the BJP votes assured to it also did not materialise. At the last moment, the BJP, which was planning to allocate 29 votes to its candidates, increased the quota to 30 to ensure victory, thereby reducing the numbers of the JD(S).

The JD(S), with 18 legislators of its own, had hoped to secure the support of six BJP legislators, besides G. Janaradhan Reddy and expelled BJP member Basannagouda Patil Yatnal, to garner 26 votes. However, the outcome came as a shock. Senior JD(S) leader G.T. Devegowda, who had distanced himself from the party leadership, said he had voted as per his “conscience”, triggering speculation. Sources said the party had a fair idea of who the four legislators were.

Reason for fielding

One of the reasons for the party fielding a candidate was to keep its flock together, which did not hold, sources said, adding that the cross-voting had caused disappointment. “We have assured all the sitting legislators of re-nomination in the 2028 Assembly polls, and had extended the party’s support during elections. Despite such assurances, if legislators cross-vote, it is sad,” sources said.

What this election showed, sources pointed out, was the need to strengthen the party base instead of cultivating individual leaders who do not show loyalty to the party in times of need. When asked if the cross-voting by its legislators was a setback to the party, sources said it was too early for such an assessment.