Bengaluru: The rapid rise of C Vijay Joseph’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu has triggered a fresh revival debate within JD(S), with sections of the party now pushing for a stronger regional identity and reduced dependence on BJP ahead of the 2028 assembly elections. Sources say TVK’s ability to rapidly mobilise regional sentiment and attract attention of youngsters despite being a relatively new political force has become a talking point. Some believe JD(S) can attempt a similar reinvention by repositioning itself as a Karnataka-first regional outfit focused on agrarian issues, regional aspirations and Vokkaliga consolidation. The discussions mark a significant shift within JD(S), which allied with BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to consolidate anti-Congress votes especially in Old Mysuru region. While the alliance delivered some electoral gains, concerns have grown internally over JD(S) gradually losing its distinct political identity. “Many feel JD(S) was strongest when it projected itself as an independent regional force rather than a part of a national coalition,” a senior JD(S) functionary said. “TVK’s emergence has reinforced the belief that strong regional messaging and local identity politics still have political space in southern states.” JD(S) is now overhauling its organisational structure by reshuffling office-bearers and appointing new spokespersons to strengthen public outreach and improve communication with voters. As part of the revival exercise, the party is increasingly looking at Nikhil Kumaraswamy to reconnect with younger voters and urban Vokkaliga communities. Party brass believe his political lineage and film background could help JD(S) build a fresh narrative, although some admit comparisons with Vijay’s popularity are limited. Sources said discussions within JD(S) are also centred around revamping the party structure, promoting young faces and sharpening issue-based politics. The party is also learnt to be exploring the possibility of roping in political strategist Prashant Kishor in an advisory role to help redesign its messaging and organisational structure and help it expand beyond its traditional Old Mysuru strongholds. Another factor driving the internal rethink is the party’s attempt to regain sections of minority support that had historically backed JD(S) and Congress in Karnataka. Political analyst MN Patil said regional parties that lose ideological distinctiveness often struggle to retain loyal social coalitions. “The BJP alliance may provide immediate electoral benefits, but JD(S) also faces the challenge of preserving its separate political space and cadre confidence,” he said. But not everyone in JD(S) supports distancing from BJP. Some believe the alliance remains necessary for the party’s survival in urban centres and Lingayat-dominated regions in north Karnataka where JD(S) remains organisationally weak. They expect HD Kumaraswamy to emerge as the face of the NDA alliance in the 2028 polls, especially with Karnataka BJP facing a serious leadership crisis. They say this could make the alliance a potent force against Congress, which is expected to face strong anti-incumbency by then. For now, JD(S) functionaries publicly maintain that the alliance with BJP remains intact, and that any decision on altering the arrangement would be taken closer to the assembly polls.
