Karnataka: Time for introspection at Gowda household

JD(S) national president HD Deve Gowda and son, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, are battling one of the biggest crises in their political careers. Deve Gowda has failed to win the election this time — only one of his grandsons has won. The father-son duo may spend the coming weeks introspecting and trying to save Karnataka’s coalition government, with the Congress. Between 1994 and now, JD(S)’ influence has ebbed from being a state-party to a region-specific party.

Influence in Regional Politics
The BJP’s resounding victory will push Gowda-Kumaraswamy closer to the Congress. In the present circumstances, the two parties need each other to save one of the few non-BJP state governments in the country. Whether the Congress would want to keep a long-term relationship with the JD(S) is unclear at this point. JD(S)’ base was limited to a few districts in the Old Mysuru region, but even that looks threatened now. While JD(S) may want to continue their partnership with the Congress, especially since Kumaraswamy holds the CM’s post, the question is how long will the Congress let him remain in the chair. A small nudge from the BJP at this moment looks enough to unsettle the coalition balance.

Expert Take
D Umapathy, a political analyst, says Deve Gowda and HDK’s energy will be focussed on saving the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka at any cost. Gowda is not new to electoral shocks. He had been in the political wilderness in the past too, but bounced back smartly. He is a cat with nine lives. He does not have age on his side, yet we cannot write him off.


Gowda-HDK will go to any extent to save their party.

That will be their biggest challenge too.