Karnataka - Mangalore   

Janata Dal (S) in disarray in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

By Raviprasad Kamila

MANGALORE, APRIL 5. Internal differences in the district unit of the Janata Dal (Secular) took its toll today with the resignation of Vasant Bangera as President of the party's district unit.

It will be interesting to see who will replace him as the Janata Dal (S) faces a dearth of leaders in the district. Also, the choice of a successor assumes significance as the Janata Dal (S) President, H.D. Deve Gowda, is keen on strengthening the party in the coastal belt.

Mr. Bangera's resignation comes close on the heels of the change in the party leadership in Udupi district. Mahim Kumar Hegde, who was President of the Udupi district unit of the party, was replaced by Deviprasad Shetty recently.

A section of the party workers in Dakshina Kannada says that Mr. Bangera quit his post to avoid embarrassment as there is a possibility of change in the party leadership in Dakshina Kannada also. They alleged that Mr. Bangera has failed to give effective leadership to the party in the district.

Membership drive

The membership drive started by Mr. Deve Gowda in the district some time ago drew a blank owing to internal differences. Mr. Deve Gowda visited the district repeatedly ahead of the gram panchayat elections to give a boost to the party through a membership drive.

But many leaders at the taluk level do not know where the books to enrol new members released by Mr. Deve Gowda are.

They say that another reason why the membership drive did not pick up in the district is because leaders in the district unit are eyeing posts of chiefs of corporations and boards as Mr. Deve Gowda has made it clear that when the Government reconstitutes boards and corporations, the posts should be shared by the coalition partners.

When contacted by The Hindu , Mr. Bangera said he wanted to resign as President of the party's district unit last year itself. However, he continued as per the wishes of the party workers, he added.

He said that as part of the membership drive, 20,000 new members have been enrolled in the district. Mr. Bangera clarified that he will remain in the Janata Dal (Secular) and has no plans of joining any other party.

He also made it clear that he will not accept the post of Chairman of any board or corporation even if it is offered to him.

Though Mr. Bangera has not mentioned any reason in his resignation letter to Mr. Deve Gowda, the letter to the party's State unit President, N. Thippanna, signed by Mr. Bangera and 24 other office-bearers makes it clear that they are not happy with the treatment given to them by party leaders.

Citing an example, Mr. Bangera said the district unit had recommended that A.K. Hasainar, Secretary of the Minority Cell of the party, be nominated as a member of the Sampaje Cooperative Society. But the party ignored it and nominated another person.

Some party workers feel that the time is ripe for the Janata Dal (S) to strengthen its base in the coastal belt.

But there are not enough leaders in the district unit who can influence people and build the party.

Possible candidates

Who will head the Janata Dal (S) in the district next? The two names doing the rounds are that of K. Amaranath Shetty, former Minister, and M. B. Sadashiva, General Secretary of the party. But both seem to have their own advantages and shortcomings.

The then Janata Dal won two Assembly seats in the 1994 elections in the district. While Mr. Amaranath Shetty won the Moodbidri seat, Mr. Bangera won the Belthangady seat.

Dominated

Since then, both the Janata Dal (S) and the Janata Dal (United) have failed to win any seat in the coastal belt.

Observers say that as the region is dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, the Janata Dal (S) has a long way to go before it can appeal to the people. They believe that able leadership is what is needed.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

Janata Dal (S) in disarray in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi
Directive to stop using water for irrigation irks farmers
Survey for issuing ration cards under way
IOC interested in setting up LPG refilling units
Accident victim dies at hospital
In Mangalore Today

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu