JD(S) planning revamp as HD Kumaraswamy goes to Centre; Nikhil likely to be new state chief
Bengaluru: JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy, who is Union Minister for Heavy Industries, is likely to pass the baton as state chief of the party to his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy. The party, therefore, is expecting a revamp after the Sankranti festival on January 14, sources in the JD(S) have said.
The JD(S) will organize a meeting, chaired by HD Kumaraswamy, in the second week of January, and elect the new state president on the occasion. Other issues, including strengthening the party in order to regain its hold over the Old Mysore region as well as parts of North Karnataka, will also be discussed, Deccan Herald has reported.
Incidentally, the senior leaders of the party too are likely to elect Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the new state president of the party, as they wish JD(S) to have more young leaders and attract more youngsters into the party. The seniors, however, have opined that Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who failed in electoral politics, has toured seven districts, but needs to hone his organizing skills.
“There are young legislators and leaders in the party. Their capabilities and network at the grassroots level will be utilized well to strengthen the party at the base,” sources said added. Young legislators like Harish Gowda, Sharanagouda Kandakur, Swaroop Prakash and Samrudhi Manjunath are gaining prominence in the political field, and also backed Nikhil at booth level during the polls. The JD(S), therefore, wishes to utilize their capabilities, the party sources added.
Referring to the support of the Lingayat community in North Karnataka, the sources said that the leaders plan to appoint Sharanagouda Kandakur as the president of Youth Janata Dal, which is now led by Nikhil.
Further, Harish Gowda, MLA from Hunsur constituency, is found to be close to Nikhil although his father and senior legislator of the JD(S) GT Deve Gowda has been maintaining a distance from the party.
Admitting that the party is accused of favouring family politics, the sources have clarified that the JD(S) leaders plan to appoint three working presidents and include members belonging to SC/ST communities and minorities. “The aim is to prove our potential in the upcoming zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections,” said a senior JD(S) leader.
Planning to undertake work at grass-root level, the JD(S) is likely to hold elections for the appointment of district and taluk-level leaders for the party.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
