Karnataka: JD(S) convention to boost morale of party workers; send message to Congress, BJP

Mysuru: With just a day left for the mega convention, hosted by the JD(S) on January 24, Saturday, all arrangements are being made at Bhuvanahalli, on the outskirts of Hassan with party leaders inspecting the preparations. More than two lakh JD(S) members from the region are expected to attend the convention.

Although the convention is being held to mark the JD(S)' 25th anniversary celebrations, scheduled to be launched in Hassan, the home district of the party supremo, former prime minister and Rajya Sabha Member H D Deve Gowda, it has many agendas, including sending messages to its own party members, the BJP and the Congress, according to JD(S) sources.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who inspected the convention venue, on Wednesday, said that the Congress has been trying to destroy the JD(S) in Hassan district, by holding two mega conventions in 2024 and 2025. "The JD(S) will give a message to the people on its stand for the upcoming local body elections, during the convention," he said.

However, party sources said that the convention is being held with important agendas and it is very important to the party. Firstly, it is held to boost the morale of the JD(S) cadres, after the party faced embarrassment due to the legal issues related to former MP Prajwal Revanna and MLA H D Revanna.

It may be mentioned that the JD(S) has four MLAs among the seven (Hassan, Holenarsipur, Arkalgud, Channarayapatna) Assembly segments in Hassan district; while the BJP has two seats (Sakleshpur and Belur), and Congress has one seat (Arsikere).

After it came to power in 2023, the Congress held two conventions in 2024 and 2025 in Hassan district to expand its base and popularity. Besides, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar visited the district thrice, to launch various development works and to have darshan of Hasanamba. With the Congress securing one seat in the 2023 election - former JD(S) leader K M Shivalingegowda winning on Congress ticket from Arsikere - this convention is to show the Congress that the JD(S) is still strong in Hassan district.

It may be mentioned that Holenarsipur MLA H D Revanna had recently said that he is open to contest either from Holenarsipur or Arsikere in the next Assembly poll. This is an effort to reclaim Arsikere seat and defeat Shivalingegowda.

The convention is also held to send a message to the BJP in the wake of the upcoming local body election. It is said that BJP leader and ex-MLA Preetham J Gowda has been opposing the BJP-JD(S) alliance for the local body elections. Hence, it is to show the BJP that the JD(S) still enjoys the support of the people.