GTD to skip JD(S) meeting, cites age and ‘commitments’

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: JD(S) state core committee chairman GT Devegowda, who is also the Chamundeshwari MLA, announced on Saturday that he will not attend Sunday’s party meeting in Bengaluru, called to select a new president for the party’s state unit. Speaking to reporters, Devegowda, aged 75, cited his inability to tour the state extensively due to his age. He explained that he would not participate in the meeting as he is committed to attending events in his assembly constituency and prefers to avoid involvement in party organisational matters.

“I am not upset with anyone. I have no displeasure against any individuals in the party. Due to health reasons, I cannot attend the meeting,” he stated. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy will decide and appoint the new state party chief during the meeting. Deve Gowda addressed speculation surrounding his son, Hunsur MLA G D Harishgowda, who is a close friend of Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

He confirmed that Harishgowda supports Nikhil’s candidacy for state party chief, and Devegowda sees nothing wrong with this endorsement. Devegowda remarked, “I am not an astrologer to predict who will become the next CM.”