Siddaramaiah Dismisses JD(S) Power Bid, Calls Party’s Claims ‘Political Rhetoric’
 |
| The Hindu |
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday dismissed the possibility of the Janata Dal (Secular) returning to power in the State, questioning the party’s political strength and electoral prospects. Responding to remarks by JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, the Chief Minister said the regional party lacked the numbers and public support needed to form a government.
He also maintained that recent legal action against JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna had been taken strictly in accordance with the law and was not politically motivated.
Siddaramaiah Responds to Deve Gowda
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after H.D. Deve Gowda had warned that political scores would be settled “when their time comes”, in reference to what he described as attempts to undermine Revanna.
Rejecting these claims, Siddaramaiah said that all action against Revanna had followed legal procedures.
“Any action taken has been as per the law. There is no political vendetta involved,” he said.
He added that the JD(S) was free to act within legal boundaries if it ever returned to power, but questioned whether such a scenario was realistic.
Questioning JD(S) Electoral Strength
Siddaramaiah underlined the sharp decline in JD(S)’s political fortunes over the years.
He pointed out that in the most recent Assembly elections, the party had managed to win only 17 seats, while the Congress secured a commanding majority of 136 seats, which has since increased to 140 due to subsequent developments.
“How can a party with 17 seats think of forming a government?” he asked.
Recalling his own association with JD(S), Siddaramaiah noted that the party had once been much stronger.
“In 2004, when I was with the JD(S), we had won 59 seats. Today, that strength has come down to just 17,” he said, highlighting what he described as the party’s steady decline.
Dismissing Alliance Claims
JD(S) leaders have recently claimed that the party, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), could wipe out the Congress in the next elections.
Siddaramaiah rejected these claims as exaggerated and unrealistic.
He described such statements as “political rhetoric” aimed at keeping party cadres motivated rather than reflecting ground realities.
“The Congress has the support of the people. These claims are only meant for publicity,” he said.
BJP-JD(S) Dynamics Under Scrutiny
The Chief Minister also questioned the internal dynamics of a possible BJP-JD(S) alliance.
He asked why the BJP would allow JD(S) to stake claim to the Chief Minister’s post if the saffron party were to emerge as the larger partner.
“If the BJP wins more seats, will it give the Chief Minister’s post to JD(S)? That itself is doubtful,” Siddaramaiah remarked.
His comments highlighted the inherent power imbalance within the alliance and the challenges faced by JD(S) in negotiating political space alongside a much stronger partner.
Political Context in Karnataka
Karnataka’s political landscape has seen intense competition between the Congress, BJP, and JD(S) over the past two decades.
While JD(S) once played a kingmaker’s role in hung assemblies, its influence has steadily declined in recent years.
The Congress, under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, currently enjoys a comfortable majority and has focused on welfare schemes and governance reforms to consolidate its position.
Meanwhile, the BJP is attempting to regroup and expand its base, while JD(S) continues to rely heavily on its traditional strongholds and the leadership of the Deve Gowda family.
Our Thoughts
Siddaramaiah’s remarks reflect growing confidence within the Congress following its strong electoral mandate and stable governance.
By highlighting JD(S)’s declining seat share, the Chief Minister is reinforcing the narrative that regional parties with shrinking bases find it increasingly difficult to compete with national parties.
His comments also expose the structural challenges faced by JD(S) in an alliance with the BJP, where it risks being overshadowed.
For JD(S), rebuilding credibility and expanding beyond traditional pockets will be crucial if it hopes to remain politically relevant.
At the same time, the Congress must ensure that internal unity and effective governance continue, as complacency could weaken its advantage.
As Karnataka moves closer to the next electoral cycle, political rhetoric is expected to intensify, but electoral arithmetic remains the ultimate deciding factor.