Karnataka: Ex-Union Minister Ibrahim Calls JD(S) 'Family Company', Says '10 To 13 Party MLAs Unhappy'

Former Union Minister CM Ibrahim further alleged that the JD(S) was operating like a "family company" and attributed the party's decline in Old Mysuru to poor leadership.

After 2023 Assembly poll defeat, Deve Gowda's son, HD Kumaraswamy, was appointed as the ad-hoc state president, sidelining Ibrahim.

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Former Union Minister CM Ibrahim, who was recently removed as the JD(S) state president has stirred speculation about internal discord within the party. After meeting senior JD(S) leader GT Deve Gowda (GTD) on Monday, Ibrahim claimed that 10 to 13 party MLAs, along with several state and district leaders, were discontent with the party leadership.

Ibrahim’s comments come a day after GT Deve Gowda criticised Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for allegedly mistreating him. Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, stating that dissatisfaction with the leadership extended beyond Gowda, reported The Hindu. He further alleged that the JD(S) was operating like a "family company" and attributed the party's decline in Old Mysuru to poor leadership.

Leadership Decisions Under Fire

Ibrahim criticised the JD(S) leadership for sidelining GT Deve Gowda during the campaign for Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna. Nikhil, the son of Kumaraswamy, faced a third electoral defeat in the recent by-election, losing to Congress candidate C.P. Yogeshwara. Several JD(S) leaders are reportedly unhappy with the decision to field Nikhil, given his prior defeats in both general and assembly elections.

Earlier, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Congress MLA CP Yogeshwar also caused speculation that JD(S) is likely to face desertion by its members, as per Deccan Herald.

The discord traces back to 2023 when HD Deve Gowda dissolved the party’s state working committee following a poor performance in the Karnataka Assembly elections. His son, HD Kumaraswamy, was appointed as the ad-hoc state president, sidelining Ibrahim, who had consistently opposed alliances with the BJP, as per a report on Hindustan Times.

New Political Plans?

Speaking to the media after the meeting, GT Deve Gowda suggested that Ibrahim is contemplating launching a new regional party, reported The New Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim stated that he plans to meet HD Deve Gowda to discuss his future course of action.