—–S. A. Hemanth——
Bengaluru, March 2: The family feud in the JDS over Hassan assembly seat is not over yet. The delay is due to the sudden hospitalization of party supremo H. D. Deve Gowda.
However, the reason for H.D. Kumaraswamy not to support Bhavani Revanna for Hassan Assembly seat is not only family but more so about the possible backlash of a powerful sub-sect among the Vokkaligas in Hassan.
There are broadly four sub-sect among Vokkaligas. Dasa Vokkaliga, Marasu Vokkaliga, Gangatkar Vokkaliga and Kunchatiga Vokkaliga.
Dasa Vokkaliga are predominant only in Hassan Assembly segment. This community supports the candidate of only their community. For instance, Late K.H.Hanume Gowda of BJP, H. S. Prakash of JDS and now the BJP sitting MLA Preetham Gowda. All are Dasa Vokkaligas.
H. D. Deve Gowda is a Gangatkar Vokkaliga. And by the virtue of her marriage to Gowda clan, Bhavani Revanna is also a Gangatkar Vokkaliga.
It is political common sense that the Dasa Vokkaligas do not support Gangatkar Vokkaligas. It is for this reason Kumaraswamy is opposed to the candidature of Bhavani Revanna.
But his brother Revanna – who has so far maintained a stoical silence – has told his father that it is his responsibility to get his wife elected.
Kumaraswamy’s fear, according to sources, is that the family’s image and party prestige will get dented if Bhavani lose the election.
It is a matter of curiosity whether the political wisdom of Kumaraswamy prevails or the Revanna’s love for wife prevails.
EOM
