Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda on Thursday ousted the party’s State president C.M. Ibrahim, who had raised a banner of revolt against the JD(S)-BJP alliance, by dissolving the party’s State executive committee. He appointed his son and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy as the party’s ad hoc president.
Announcing the appointment at a press conference after an emergency meeting of the party’s core committee, Mr. Gowda said the decision to dissolve the executive committee was taken unanimously to strengthen and rejuvenate the party.
Eighteen of the 19 MLAs, MLCs, and district presidents of the party attended the emergency meeting. Although the party has not “expelled” Mr. Ibrahim, dissolving the executive committee means that he is no longer the State party president.
Earlier this week, Mr. Ibrahim opposed the party’s decision and declared that the JD(S) would not join the BJP-led NDA. He went to the extent of describing his side of the party as the “original” JD(S) and hinted at splitting the party.
‘As per party’s bylaws’
Stating that Mr. Ibrahim was removed from the post in accordance with the JD(S) constitution and bylaws, Mr. Gowda said Mr. Kumaraswamy was appointed as the new ad hoc president for the smooth functioning of the party.
Pointing out that all JD(S) State units, including those in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala, had endorsed the decision to ally with the BJP, he said the party was part of the government in Kerala, with one of its MLAs serving as a Minister.
Urging his partymen not to worry about the new alliance, Mr. Gowda said several Muslim leaders in the JD(S) had also expressed their support for the party’s alliance.
Speaking after taking over as the ad hoc president, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, Mr. Gowda took the decision after the core committee empowered him to initiate measures necessary to strengthen the party. “I have been entrusted with the task of reviving the party and taking all members into confidence. I will start work on strengthening the party after Vijayadashami,” he said.
Ibrahim to challenge
Angered by the dissolution of the executive committee, Mr. Ibrahim claimed that he continued to remain the party’s State president as his removal was not in accordance with the party’s bylaws. He said he would challenge the decision before the Election Commission and also get a stay from the court.
“This has demonstrated Mr. Gowda’s blind love for his son. They cannot remove me like this; I am the elected president. Two-thirds members should first write to me asking that I convene a meeting and then move a no-confidence motion against me. Mr. Gowda cannot run a one-man show,” he said.
Lashing out at Mr. Gowda, he said, “I considered you as my father but you betrayed me. Now, you see what the consequences will be.”
