The JD(S) seems to have come a full circle, as far as the appointment of its State president is concerned.
Party patriarch H D Deve Gowda announced the appointment of his son H D Kumaraswamy to the post, vacant since April when the then State chief A Krishnappa passed away, at a press conference here on Thursday.
While critics may say that the party cannot look beyond the father-son duo, Gowda had a rather familiar defence - “There was no choice, but to appoint him as everyone in the party was in favour of him taking up the responsibility.”
Kumaraswamy was the State president between 2007 and 2013. Now, he is also the floor leader of the party in the Legislative Assembly.
Gowda said that the JD(S) had been dubbed as the father-sons party. Efforts should be made to erase the perception. It is unfortunate that such criticism is levelled against the party, he said. “Is there no other party where the father and sons are working?” he asked.
On November 28, a meeting of all leaders and those who were defeated and elected in polls has been convened in Bengaluru, Gowda said.
Kumaraswamy said that, in the present situation, it became inevitable for the party to appoint him. “Mentally, I was not prepared to accept the position. I told my father that I will accept anyone as the president. But finally, I had no choice. All are happy with the development,” he added.
Asked whether he would be changing his style of functioning, Kumaraswamy said, “I need not change. But there is paucity of trust and there are some differences. Those have to be set right.”