The Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)), commonly known as JD(S), is a regional political party in India founded in July 1999 by H. D. Deve Gowda, a former Prime Minister of India. The party emerged as a breakaway faction from the Janata Dal, which itself was formed in 1988 through the merger of the Janata Party and other smaller parties.
Positioning itself as a center-left party, the JD(S) adheres to the ideology of Social Democratic Secularism. Its primary support base is in the states of Karnataka and Kerala, where it plays a significant role in the political landscape. In Kerala, the JD(S) is part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The JD(S) is recognized as a state party in Karnataka, Kerala, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, at the national level, it currently holds no seats in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. In the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the JD(S) has 19 out of 224 seats, while in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, it holds 2 out of 140 seats. The party also has 8 seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
On the electoral front, the JD(S) is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Karnataka and aligns with the LDF in Kerala (as a rebel group). Despite its relatively limited representation at the national level, the JD(S) remains a significant player in Karnataka and Kerala politics, often influencing the political dynamics in these states.
In a significant development from Karnataka, the Janata Dal (Secular) has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led government following a bribery scandal in the state's Excise Department. The Karnataka Lokayukta police have arrested three officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, on charges of corruption. The arrests were reportedly made in connection with allegations of demanding bribes to issue a C7 license for operating a bar and restaurant. The JDS has accused the Siddaramaiah government of being 'corrupt' and 'looting crores' through extortion. The speaker noted that 'Cross extorted by the Congress government in the state' as the bribery scandal continues to rock the department. The investigation by the Lokayukta is ongoing as the political face-off between the JDS and the ruling Congress intensifies over these allegations of systemic corruption within the state administration.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political drama in Karnataka where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar have called a truce. Following a "breakfast bonhomie" in Bengaluru, the leaders presented a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular). DK Shivakumar dismissed rumors of a rift, stating, 'There was no difference with me or the chief minister.' The programme highlights the opposition's threat to bring a no-confidence motion and the Congress High Command's intervention to resolve the power-sharing tussle. Senior leader Veerappa Moily also weighs in, warning that 'negligence of the Congress leaders' could cost the party.
This bulletin covers the political criticism directed at Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge by the JDS and BJP. The opposition parties questioned Kharge's authority after he stated the party's 'high command' would decide on the Karnataka Chief Minister, labelling him a 'rubber-stamp' president. The JDS stated in a post, 'Are you the President of the INC or not? From these helpless words, it becomes clear even if you are the President, you have no authority to make any decisions'. The segment also highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with MLAs travelling to Delhi and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara indicating his interest in the top post.
Suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna's custody has been extended by another 14 days by a Bengaluru court.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is going to form a government in the Centre for a third consecutive time with Narendra Modi scheduled to take oath as the country's Prime Minister again. At the same time, NDA alliance partners like Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United and the Janata Dal Secular are eyeing key Cabinet berths.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) may conduct potency test on Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused of sexually abusing multiple women, said sources.
Rape-accused suspended Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused of sexually harassing several women, said he would appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31.
The External Affairs Ministry on Friday issued a show cause notice to suspended Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna in connection with the sex tapes case, according to sources.
Janata Dal Secular (JDS) chief HD Deve Gowda on Thursday issued a stern warning to his grandson Prajwal Revanna, asking him to return to India and face the legal process.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy said that the state government was sponsoring organisations to protest against Prajwal Revanna in Hassan.
On the television show Elections Unlocked, the host explores the prevalent issue of family politics or 'parivarvaad' in Indian elections. The show highlights the case of Prajval Revanna, a member of the Janata Dal secular in Karnataka, who is currently facing accusations of sexual abuse. The host also discusses the influence of family politics in various states across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. The programme further delves into the role of family politics in the BJP and other political parties.
The Janata Dal (Secular) has suspended Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna over the sex scandal.
The top focus of this episode of 5ive Live is on the sex abuse allegations against Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Devegowda.
The Janata Dal (Secular) is likely to expel party MP Prajwal Revanna, who has been accused of sexually assaulting several women, according to sources.
Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Sharana Gowda Kandakur on Monday wrote to party president HD Deve Gowda demanding the expulsion of Prajwal Revanna from the party over the alleged obscene video case.
A BJP leader in Karnataka has claimed that he wrote to the state's party president in December 2023 saying he received a pen drive with nearly 3,000 videos of women, including government officials, performing sexual acts and alleged that Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna used the footage to blackmail the women.
Days after purported 'obscene videos' of Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) leader, Prajwal Revanna, emerged in the Hassan district in Karnataka, the JD(S) leader on Sunday fled to Germany's Frankfurt. Meanwhile, the party called for an emergency meeting at 11 am on Sunday.
Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy explains why his party joined hands with the BJP to fight Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.
An intense political battle is brewing in the Tumkuru Lok Sabha constituency in the Indian state of Karnataka. Known for its equal division of votes among Janata Dal (Secular), Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, this area is setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle ahead of the 2024 elections. Tumkuru, renowned for its socio-political dimensions, is also home to the largest voter base of the Vokkaliga community in the region. It also has a significant Lingayat population. The situation is particularly intriguing, considering that the former three-time BJP MP for Tumkuru district, Basavaraj, announced his retirement, opening up possible avenues for other parties. Moreover, this constituency came under the national spotlight in 2019 when JDS supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda contested and lost. Tumkuru is also recognised for its educational institutions, religious landmarks such as Siddhaganga Matha, and its booming Tiptur Coconut Market, which supplies coconuts nationwide.
Janata Dal (Secular) has formally joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. This was announced by BJP president JP Nadda.
