JD (U) splits in Karnataka, 3 MLAs join JD (S)

In a significant development, three JD (U) MLAs crossed over to the ruling JD (S) in Karnataka, bringing down the strength of the JD (U) in Karnataka from five to two.

The three MLAs, who had crossed over from JD (U) to JD (S), are Nagamani Nage Gowda from Kirugavalu, Bheemappa Sarikar from Raibagh and H Anjaneya from Bharamsagara.

The three JD (U) MLAs joined the JD (S) in the presence of JD (S) national President H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy at a function organized by the party in Mysore near here.

JD (S) spokesperson Y S V Datta said the Anti Defection Law does not come into play in the present instance as the JD (U) was not a recognized political party in Karnataka. “Even if JD (U) were to be a recognized party in Karnataka, the defection has been carried out by sufficient numbers to prevent action under the anti defection law”, he said.

The cross over of three JD (U) MLAs to JD (S) deals a severe blow to the prospects of the JD (U), which has fielded a candidate in the ensuing by-polls to Chamundeshwari assembly constituency in Mysore.

Former MLA A S Guruswamy has entered the December 4 by-poll fray as a JD (U) candidate against Congress party candidate and former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and JD (S) nominee Shivabasappa.