Overview

• Nikhil Kumaraswamy launched the ‘Janarondige Janata Dala’ membership drive on June 16 in Tumakuru, setting out on a 58-day statewide tour with a target of 5 million new members
• Former prime minister H. D. Deve Gowda rejected claims of dynastic control, describing the party as rooted in its workers and vowing its survival beyond his leadership
• Union minister H. D. Kumaraswamy challenged Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s accusation that he stalled the caste census, questioning why the current government has not acted on the report
• The JD(S) secured a Union cabinet berth through its NDA alliance but has seen its vote share slip from around 22 percent, prompting leaders to shore up grassroots support
• Organizers plan to conclude the drive in Mysuru on August 16 to reinforce networks in Old Mysuru and other traditional strongholds