The Janata Dal (Secular) has made significant changes to its leadership structure, with veteran legislator G T Devegowda being removed as head of the party's core committee. Former Deputy Speaker M Krishna Reddy has replaced him in this role. Devegowda, a five-time legislator, had reportedly distanced himself from party activities after being denied the post of legislature party leader, which went to C B Suresh Babu instead. Meanwhile, the younger generation of party founder H D Deve Gowda's family is being given more responsibility. Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, has been appointed to the political affairs committee and is emerging as the party's face in Karnataka. The reshuffle also includes positions for other family members, including MLC Suraj Revanna and MLA H D Revanna, signaling a consolidation of the Gowda family's influence within the party ahead of upcoming local body elections.
Leadership Reshuffle and Family Consolidation in JD(S)
The leadership changes were announced earlier this week, with G T Devegowda being replaced due to his inactivity in party affairs. He had not convened any meetings recently despite being appointed core committee chief in August 2023. Party sources indicated this move was necessary with local body and Greater Bengaluru Authority polls approaching soon. Simultaneously, Nikhil Kumaraswamy was elevated to the political affairs committee headed by his father. Other appointments included Suraj Revanna to the campaign committee led by Y S V Dutta, and H D Revanna retained his core committee membership. Devegowda's son G D Harish was also inducted into the campaign panel. Party insiders defended these changes, stating senior leaders were being accommodated with specific roles across various committees.
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