The divisions in the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka came to the fore once again on Thursday after the party’s president AH Vishwanath reiterated his desire to quit his post.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vishwanath said he was even considering resigning from his position as MLA of Hunsur constituency in Mandya.
“Chief Ministers in the past have managed to balance party work and chief ministerial responsibilities. Kumaraswamy also should balance these two jobs. A ministerial position is vacant, 360 board and corporation head positions are vacant, and giving it to our workers will secure our position in this government. I urge him to lead us to becoming a nation-wide party. Please accept my resignation. Otherwise I will have to think about resigning from the position of Hunsur MLA,” Vishwanath said.
Vishwanath decided to quit his position as JD(S) president earlier this month citing differences with his party colleagues and with members of the Congress. He also took responsibility for the party’s humbling defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, in which it managed to win just a single seat in the state. His resignation is yet to be accepted by the party.
Responding to Vishwanath’s ultimatum, JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda stated that he will discuss the position of party president in a meeting of party leaders on Thursday. “Today, we have a meeting where all leaders will be present. We will discuss at that time. He has said he is not quitting the party but will not continue as president,” Deve Gowda said at a press conference at the JD(S) party office in Bengaluru.
Deve Gowda added that he met Congress President Rahul Gandhi and requested him to ensure that Congress leaders in Karnataka refrained from publicly discussing the coalition government in power in the state. He was responding to reports that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had suggested withdrawing support to the coalition government as it would improve the Congress’ chances of winning elections in the state.
“There is ample time and I do not want to react to those statements. Two independent members have been inducted into the cabinet. All I ask is that there should not be a public reaction by any member of our party or of the Congress. I am watching and I am hurt by the statements being made and I request all Karnataka leaders not to make any public statements against the government,” he added.
The flurry of press conferences comes amid fresh uncertainty over the coalition government’s future in the state. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy publicly admitted that he was in pain leading the coalition government in the state. Despite the complaints, he is set to address a press conference later today discussing the achievements of the coalition government along with Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.