The Janata Dal (Secular) has decided to elect its state president through an internal election by April, announced Union Minister and JDS state president H.D. Kumaraswamy. He made this statement after a meeting of party leaders and elected representatives at the party’s headquarters, J.P. Bhavan, on Sunday.

While the decision to conduct an election for the state president’s position was finalized, Kumaraswamy clarified that no discussions were held during the meeting regarding potential candidates for the role.

The meeting also discussed the party’s biannual organizational elections, membership drives, preparations for district and taluk panchayat elections, and organizational development. “We will prioritize individuals who sincerely work towards strengthening the party,” Kumaraswamy said.

Outlining his schedule, Kumaraswamy said, “I will dedicate four days a week to my work at the Union Ministry in Delhi and one to two days for site visits to factories under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Steel. The remaining time will be devoted to party activities, including organizational work, meetings, tours, and visits to the Mandya constituency.”

Addressing the gathering, JDS National President and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda alleged that the Congress was trying to weaken the JDS. “Their dream will never come true. Our party has capable leaders and dedicated workers, making it impossible for outsiders to dismantle it,” he said. Deve Gowda also announced plans to begin touring districts in March and staying at party workers’ homes to strengthen the party’s grassroots. He urged members to continue the membership drive.

MLC Tippeswamy has been appointed to lead the party’s internal elections. He will oversee the elections for taluk, district, and state-level party presidents.

Senior JDS leader G.T. Devegowda, who is reportedly upset with the party high command, was absent from the meeting. However, H.D. Deve Gowda downplayed the absence, saying, “There are no differences within the party. I have spoken with G.T. Devegowda, and he couldn’t attend due to unavoidable reasons.”

H.D. Kumaraswamy instructed party leaders to gear up for the district and taluk panchayat elections, expected to take place in April or May. He indicated that the party’s decision regarding an alliance with the BJP for local body elections would be taken at an appropriate time.