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BENGALURU: Multiple factors, not least of which is politics within the party, besides fluid dynamics amongst its rivals, has delayed the release of the first list of JD(S) candidates. In a bid to get a jump on its rivals, the regional party had planned to name candidates for next year’s elections nice and early. The party leadership had promised to release the first list at the launch of its ambitious Pancharatna Yatre on November 1.
While the yatra itself kicked off only on November 18 in Mulbagal, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, second in command in the party after supremo HD Deve Gowda, said the list was being held back because astrologers — his brother HD Revanna especially — had advised the time was not “favourable”. But a section of functionaries was surprised by the move, as the date and time for the launch of the yatre were chosen after consulting astrologers.
Gowda himself had supervised preparations. Many say the decision to delay announcement of candidates was taken on the advice of seniors who felt it would be imprudent to announce candidates with elections still five months away. They also pointed out that their main rivals, BJP and Congress, are yet to decide on candidates. Seniors reportedly suggested that the party keep its options open to “accommodate defectors” in case winnable candidates switch over from rival parties. “Astrology is one reason but there are political reasons as well,” said CM Ibrahim, JD(S) state president.
“We decided to postpone the announcement of the list, keeping various factors in mind. While the list is ready, we will release it at an appropriate time.” Sources suggest the party leadership also wants time to decide on sensitive seats such as Hassan, where Revanna’s wife Bhavani wants to contest much to the discomfort of Kumaraswamy. Channapatna, where Kumaraswamy is likely to face a tough challenge from BJP’s CP Yogeshwar, is another bugbear. “We will decide on releasing the list at a meeting of the core committee soon,” said JD(S) core committee chair man Bandeppa Kashempur.
While the yatra itself kicked off only on November 18 in Mulbagal, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, second in command in the party after supremo HD Deve Gowda, said the list was being held back because astrologers — his brother HD Revanna especially — had advised the time was not “favourable”. But a section of functionaries was surprised by the move, as the date and time for the launch of the yatre were chosen after consulting astrologers.
Gowda himself had supervised preparations. Many say the decision to delay announcement of candidates was taken on the advice of seniors who felt it would be imprudent to announce candidates with elections still five months away. They also pointed out that their main rivals, BJP and Congress, are yet to decide on candidates. Seniors reportedly suggested that the party keep its options open to “accommodate defectors” in case winnable candidates switch over from rival parties. “Astrology is one reason but there are political reasons as well,” said CM Ibrahim, JD(S) state president.
“We decided to postpone the announcement of the list, keeping various factors in mind. While the list is ready, we will release it at an appropriate time.” Sources suggest the party leadership also wants time to decide on sensitive seats such as Hassan, where Revanna’s wife Bhavani wants to contest much to the discomfort of Kumaraswamy. Channapatna, where Kumaraswamy is likely to face a tough challenge from BJP’s CP Yogeshwar, is another bugbear. “We will decide on releasing the list at a meeting of the core committee soon,” said JD(S) core committee chair man Bandeppa Kashempur.
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