Bengaluru: The defeat of the Janata Dal (Secular) in the recent Karnataka Legislative Council elections has triggered intense debate within the party, with senior leaders attributing the setback to alleged cross-voting by its own members. The development, party insiders say, has raised existential concerns for the regional outfit.
Reacting sharply to the outcome, Union minister H. D. Kumaraswamy said he had anticipated the possibility of cross-voting but admitted that the scale of the fallout had come as a shock. “Excessive trust has cost the party dearly,” he remarked, underscoring his disappointment over the internal breach.
Signalling a course correction, the JDS leader announced that the party would hereafter prioritise youth and first-time entrants, indicating a clear generational shift in its leadership strategy. He also asserted that key organisational decisions would now be taken directly under his leadership.
The Council poll defeat has prompted a phase of introspection within Janata Dal (Secular), with the leadership preparing to undertake structural changes aimed at revitalising the organisation and restoring cadre confidence ahead of future electoral battles.
