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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Amid uncertainty over alliance with BJP, JD(S) sets out to strengthen party machinery
Bengaluru: JD(S) has launched a state-wide organisational revival drive as doubts swirl around its alliance with BJP in Karnataka. In a strategic move, JD(S) kicked off an ambitious online membership campaign on Sunday, aiming to enrol 50 lakh new members by Aug 15. As part of the campaign, JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy began a state tour on Monday from Tumakuru, focusing first on southern Karnataka districts — considered the Vokkaliga heartland — in a bid to consolidate the party's core support base. The heightened political activity in JD(S) comes amid rising tension within BJP over the future of the alliance. The two parties, which had earlier jointly taken on the Congress-led govt, have recently conducted separate agitations — notably over price rise and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident, where they refrained from presenting a united front. While both parties have confirmed they will contest upcoming zilla and taluk panchayat polls separately, a section of BJP functionaries is pushing to sever ties entirely ahead of the next assembly elections. "BJP is strong enough to defeat Congress on its own," said Sakaleshpur legislator S Manjunath, popularly known as Cement Manju. "An alliance with JD(S) could deny us a clear mandate." But JD(S) functionaries insist an alliance is crucial to challenge Congress' dominance in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Walgreens Hides This Cheap 87¢ Generic Cialis Health Alliance by Friday Plans Undo Former MLC and party election coordinator KA Tippeswamy said the alliance primarily targets assembly and parliamentary polls and would continue for the next assembly election as well. "Our party brass has decided to leave it to district functionaries to decide on a tie-up for ZP and TP elections," he said. Speaking at the launch of the membership drive, JD(S) state president and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy dismissed rumours of a rift. "The alliance is intact. Vested interests are even spreading canards about my health. Those spreading rumours about the fragility of the alliance or about my health will be proven wrong. We will present a united front to defeat Congress," Kumaraswamy said. Sources indicate BJP's central leadership is in favour of the alliance, given growing concerns about internal cohesion and the party's struggle to consolidate Vokkaliga votes. They point out that while BJP state president BY Vijayendra faces resistance from some factions, a significant section of BJP members, especially from the Vokkaliga community, view the partnership with JD(S) as vital. Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP legislator CN Ashwath Narayan echoed this sentiment, saying, "Our mission is to oust this corrupt and incompetent govt and ensure a Congress-mukt Karnataka. We will do whatever is necessary, and our high command will take a final call on the alliance and election strategy."
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HDK to attend cabinet meeting: Nikhil
Mandya: JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Monday provided an update on the health of Union minister HD Kumaraswamy , who is his father, stating that the minister is in good health and currently in Delhi."He will attend the Cabinet meeting scheduled for May 14. There is no cause for concern. My father's well-being is protected by the blessings of his parents and divine grace," Nikhil said, thanking the public for their continued support and allegations made by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar regarding the collection of Rs 5,000 from citizens for site allotment in Channapatna, Nikhil said, "These are political accusations. People are aware of the contributions made by Kumaraswamy and former PM HD Deve Gowda to the development of Ramanagara district. As for the Rs 5,000 collection, I am not aware of any such instance."Nikhil also spoke about the party's plans for the upcoming local body elections. "Starting in June, statewide programmes will be launched to strengthen the party. Teams will be formed, and preparations are already under way," he on the recent conflict involving Pakistan, Nikhil strongly supported the Union govt's response. "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a grave incident. Our women lost their sacred kumkum. Operation Sindhoor was our strong reply, led by Prime Minister Modi. Though there is talk of a ceasefire, attacks in Srinagar prove otherwise. The unrest within Pakistan continues, and our Prime Minister will respond appropriately," he said.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru professor allegedly assaulted for asking men not to litter, FIR registered
A college professor in Bengaluru has alleged that he was physically assaulted by three men after he confronted them for dumping waste on a public road. The incident reportedly took place near the parking area of JHBS Layout, and an FIR has been filed, though no arrests have been made so far. Also Read - Only people have power to destabilise a govt: JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy hits back at Kharge The man, identified as Aarabindo Gupta, works at a private college in the city. In a selfie video shared on social media, Gupta recounted the ordeal and showed visible injuries on his face. 'I saw a few men throwing trash, including glass pieces, onto the road. I told them not to litter, especially with hazardous items that could cause accidents. But instead of listening, they started beating me up,' he said. According to Gupta, two of the men pinned his arms while the third repeatedly hit him with a helmet. He described the attack as unprovoked and brutal. The professor also expressed disappointment over the declining civic sense and safety in the city. 'Bengaluru was once known as one of the safest cities in the country. That image is slowly fading because of the actions of such individuals,' he said in the video. He urged the police to take swift action and bring the attackers to justice. Also Read - Bengaluru IAF officer booked for 'attempt to murder' after CCTV footage of attack surfaces While Gupta confirmed that he had filed a formal complaint and an FIR had been registered, Bengaluru Police said they are still verifying the sequence of events and are yet to make any arrests in the case. This incident comes on the heels of another shocking road rage case involving IAF Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, who was recently booked for attempt to murder after CCTV footage showed him assaulting a call centre employee in a separate incident near Tin Factory. Initially, Bose had alleged he was attacked for not speaking Kannada, but police investigations revealed it to be a routine road rage episode.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy hits back at Kharge, says 'only people have power to destabilise a govt'
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy will lead a massive protest in Bengaluru against the Congress-led government in Karnataka on April 12, announced the JD (S) Youth Wing State President Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Wednesday. JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy dismissed claims of BJP destabilizing the Karnataka government, asserting that only the people hold such power. This response followed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's accusation that the BJP was attempting to undermine the state government. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy responded to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge 's reported statement that the "BJP was attempting to destabilise the Karnataka government ", stating that it was "laughable" and "only the people have the power to destabilise a government".Kumaraswamy dismissed the claim, stating that no one could destabilise the Congress government in the state."It's laughable; no one can destabilise the Congress government, nor can anyone save the Congress government in the state. Only people have the power to destabilise a government," he told reporters a day came following Kharge's statement regarding the BJP's alleged attempts to undermine the State on Wednesday, the Congress President accused the BJP-led central government of "unnecessarily troubling" Congress leaders after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against party leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald case Speaking to ANI, Kharge vowed to hold protests nationwide against the move, alleging that the BJP is working against the law."There is nothing in the case... It was shut down for some time due to financial troubles. Sonia Gandhi tried to revive it with loans and donations. Now, they say that it is wrong to take a loan... BJP is working against the law. What is wrong is wrong, and we will prove it. Our protests will be held nationwide, and we want to tell the people that we are being troubled unnecessarily," he further criticised the BJP-led government, accusing it of targeting the Congress party to cover up its failures. Kharge claimed that the BJP-led government's economic mismanagement was spiralling out of control and said there was no vision or solutions, only attempts to divert attention from its a social media post on April 16, Kharge wrote, "Your despotic Sarkar is hell-bent on targeting the Congress to whitewash its own sins. BJP's Economic Mismanagement is spiralling out of control. Desperation is gathering steam. No vision, No solution, only diversion!"
