Karnataka polls: H D Kumaraswamy’s alliance-making skills will likely make JD(S) a kingmaker again | India News

Former Karnataka chief minister Haradanahalli Deve Gowda Kumaraswamy is known for his astute political maneuvers and his ability to build strong alliances to remain relevant in the state’s politics. Kumaraswamy is the son of H D Deve Gowda, former PM and founder of the Janata Dal (Secular) party.
Kumaraswamy’s importance to Karnataka politics lies in his ability to build and maintain strong alliances. He has been instrumental in forming alliances with both the Congress and the BJP, His ability to build alliances has helped him remain relevant in the state’s politics despite facing several crushing setbacks in his political career.

In 2006, Kumaraswamy formed an alliance with the BJP and became the Karnataka CM. His tenure, however, did not last long and was marred by several controversies, including allegations of corruption and misuse of power. In 2007, he resigned from the post after the BJP withdrew its support over differences on power-sharing.
In the 2018 assembly polls, the JD(S) joined hands with the Congress to form the government and Kumaraswamy once again took the top post. However, his tenure was again short-lived as several MLAs withdrew their support to the alliance. In July 2019, Kumaraswamy lost his majority in Karnataka floor test and subsequently resigned. The BJP then formed the government and B S Yediyurappa took oath as CM.
The JD(S) is a party that claims to champion the cause of farmers and the rural poor.
The party has been vocal in its opposition to several policies of the central government, including the controversial farm laws. Kumaraswamy’s leadership of the party has been crucial in building a strong base of support among farmers and the rural poor in Karnataka.

Kumaraswamy’s political career has been marked by several ups and downs. However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and his knack for building alliances has made him an important player in Karnataka politics. His leadership of the JD(S) has been crucial in maintaining a balance of power in the state’s politics, particularly in the context of the two dominant political parties, the Congress and the BJP.
In recent years, the JD(S) has faced several challenges, including the defection of several of its MLAs to other parties. However, Kumaraswamy has remained undeterred and has continued to work towards strengthening the party’s base in the state. He has also been vocal in his opposition to the BJP-led central government’s policies and has been a strong voice for the rights of farmers and the rural poor.
Though the JD(S) has so far not announced any alliance in the run up to the 2023 polls, his sustained attacks against the BJP over the past few years makes it likely that Kumaraswamy may join hands with the Congress once again if the elections throw up a fractured mandate.