Shivakumar’s elevation as Karnataka CM poses existential challenge for JD(S)

The change of guard in Karnataka’s Congress-led government is emerging as an existential challenge for the Janata Dal (Secular), with some dramatic decisions, including a possible return to full-time State politics by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, being contemplated by the party leadership.

For the JD(S), D.K. Shivakumar’s elevation is seen as politically disadvantageous for Mr. Kumaraswamy, as both leaders belong to the Vokkaliga community and have been engaged in a decades-long contest for influence over the community, especially in the Old Mysore region of the State.