Ramanagara
“My goal is to see HD Kumaraswamy occupy the Chief Minister’s chair; I do not want power for myself,” declared Nikhil Kumaraswamy, president of the JD(S) youth wing.
Speaking at a JD(S) workers’ meeting in Channapatna ahead of local body elections, Nikhil criticised party activists for indulging in petty politics around society polls and urged stricter discipline. He said he entered the contest following persistent appeals from local leaders and recalled being moved emotionally by the responsibility entrusted to him. He challenged critics who questioned his mandate and asked party workers to focus on organisational work rather than personal grievances.
Nikhil pointed out that Congress had recently won four seats in the district but warned that such results are not permanent and public sentiment can shift. He stressed that local disputes often escalate to the state level and insisted internal matters must be resolved within party forums, not in public. Observing that meetings once drew larger crowds when the party was in power, he urged cadres to rebuild public engagement through consistent fieldwork.
With roughly two years left before assembly elections, Nikhil urged activists to stop obsessing over society polls and avoid selfish, taluk-level politicking. He accused opponents of intervening in cooperative elections and said JD(S) would study successful strategies used elsewhere. Nikhil reiterated his commitment to strengthening the party, empowering grassroots leaders and workers, and preparing a united campaign. He also made clear he will not seek the Chief Minister’s post while H.D. Kumaraswamy remains the party’s leader. He said seat-sharing and strategy will be decided by party leadership.
