JD(S) hits out at speculation on its legislators jumping ship

Amid speculation triggered in the Congress circles that legislators from the Janata Dal (Secular) are likely to jump ship after its defeat in the Channapatna byelection, party leaders on Wednesday said its legislators should not be taken lightly and that they cannot be induced.

‘Be wary of CPY’

“The way Congress leaders are speaking has changed after the byelection results. The Congress should be wary of its Channapatna legislator C.P. Yogeshwar. He had in the past said he would get 30 legislators from the Congress,” Janata Dal (Secular) legislature party leader Suresh Babu told presspersons here, adding that all its 18 legislators were firmly with the party. Acknowledging problems with senior leader G.T. Deve Gowda, he said that it would be set right soon.

Regarding the issue of Vokkaliga leadership, he said those who are liked by people will become the leaders. “The JD(S) will not be affected by either victory or loss. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda is still in active politics despite the defeat of his grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna. He works hard irrespective of the candidate. Mr. Yogeshwar does not have the moral right to speak about Mr. Gowda.”

Holenarsipur legislator H.D. Revanna said the family had witnessed ups and downs in politics. “It is not possible to finish off our party. Is it the end of the political career just because Nikhil has lost the election? There will be a day when he will emerge as a good leader.”

‘Moral decay’

Meanwhile, in a statement, Mr. Nikhil Kumaraswamy said, “The arrogance and boastful claims of emptying the JD(S) in just 15 days represent the moral decay of the Congress. Instead of dedicating their win to the people of the constituency, their energy is consumed by undermining the Opposition and hurling insults at leaders. In my defeat, I did not spew venom against them, nor will I let such bitterness take root in me.”

Published - November 27, 2024 10:17 pm IST