Former PM Deve Gowda forms JD(S) core committee to draw action plan for LS elections
Bengaluru (PTI): Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) President H D Deve Gowda on Monday announced the formation of a core committee of the party led by Chamundeshwari MLA G T Devegowda to draw an action plan for the Lok Sabha elections.
The committee will travel to all the districts of the state from September 1 and submit a report to the party's state-level committee in October about the party organisation, the JD(S) supremo said at a press conference.
It will recommend changes specific to each district to be made in the organisation, he added.
JD(S)' move comes amid reports that the Congress is trying to woo leaders from the opposition BJP and Deve Gowda's party to get them into its fold to bolster its strength with an eye on the Lok Sabha elections.
Karnataka has a total of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 25 seats, while a party-backed candidate also emerged victorious. The Congress and JD(S) secured one seat each. In the JD(S) bastion of Hassan, Deve Gowda's grand-son Prajwal Revanna had won.
"Our 19 MLAs and eight MLCs led by former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy unanimously decided to form a 12-member core committee led by G T Devegowda. The committee will travel across the state," the former Prime Minister said.
In the 2018 Assembly elections, the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was defeated by G T Devegowda in Chamundeshwari. However, Siddaramaiah, who had contested from two constituencies back then, had won from Badami in Bagalkot district.
H D Deve Gowda said the committee will also decide strategies for the elections to Bengaluru municipal corporation and Panchayats.
"I have stepped into 91 years of age. My target is to protect JD(S) as a regional party," he said.
The veteran leader said he would also canvas for the party in the next Lok Sabha elections.
"At this age of 91, I will share my experience with the people," he added.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
