CM Ibrahim says he can work to revive JD(S) if HDK, HDD come out of NDA

NT Correspondent

Mysuru

Expelled JD(S) leader CM Ibrahim on Monday said the Channapatna by-election result must be an eye opener for the JD(S). Speaking to reporters, he stated that HD Kumaraswamy must learn lessons now and stop converting the party into a 'family enterprise'. Around 12 to 13 JD(S) legislators are dissatisfied with the party's plight including those like veteran MLA GT Devegowda but they have suppressed their pain.

''I have now started the work of bringing them together. I convinced GT Devegowda to remain in the party when he was planning to join the Congress before the assembly polls. GTD would have become minister in the state cabinet now had I not convinced him to stay in the JD(S) before the assembly polls,'' he claimed. Though he and GTD worked shoulder to shoulder to strengthen the party by touring the state, GTD has been cornered in the party now, Ibrahim said.

Though he has been expelled from the party, Ibrahim said he would still like to revive the party if both Kumaraswamy and former Prime Minister Deve Gowda exit the BJP-led NDA. Kumaraswamy was elected from Channapatna in 2023 by spending Rs 4 crore when Muslims like him we re with JDS, claimed Ibrahim adding that despite spending 'Rs 150 crore now,' he had failed to get his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy elected from Channapatna. Later speaking to reporters after greeting GT Devegowda on his birthday, Ibrahim said he will decide whether to float a new party, join the third front, or strengthen the JD(S).