BENGALURU: With the possibility of an early Lok Sabha election looming large, JD(S) is preparing to strengthen its organisational base with a new team of office-bearers. The change is likely to start from the top by replacing state president H D Kumaraswamy, who wants to be relieved from the party post.
Kumaraswamy, who has undergone two heart surgeries, is already burdened by the workload and commitment as Chief Minister of the coalition government. The issue came up for discussion at a meeting of JD(S) leaders, chaired by party national president HD Deve Gowda on Saturday, where Kumaraswamy himself appealed for a change of party state president.
“I myself have appealed to be relieved from the party state president’s post. Discussion is on about a reshuffle of office-bearers. Party national president H D Deve Gowda is likely to take a decision in this regard in a week. Greater thrust for party building is needed ahead of the Lok Sabha election,” Kumaraswamy had said.
The names of five leaders came up for discussion at the meeting as ideal probables to replace Kumaraswamy as the state president. According to party sources, Madhu Bangarappa is the front-runner for the post. However, the young leader from Shivamogga district is said to be making a strong pitch for nomination as an MLC and a place in the ministry before taking up a bigger role in the party.
JD(S) national working president P G R Sindhia, former ministers H Vishwanath, B Ningaiah and former MLA Y S V Datta are also among the contenders for the post. However, Madhu Bangarappa, belonging to backward Idiga community, is said to have an edge over others.
Apart from a reshuffle in state and district leadership of the party, it has also been decided to launch a massive drive for enrolment of new members and constitute a committee for appointing new office-bearers for the party.