Hyderabad: In a significant turn of events, the JD(S) party has been hit by a rebellion as prominent Muslim leaders, including former minister N M Nabi, have chosen to tender their resignations. This protest action stems from the party’s decision to form an alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The unrest began to surface when news broke about former JD(S) chief minister H D Kumaraswamy’s meeting with BJP national president J P Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following this development, a group of Muslim leaders within the regional party convened at the Kumara Krupa guesthouse.
Last year, the JD(S) had elevated senior leader CM Ibrahim to the position of state president in the hope of reaping electoral benefits. However, in the 2023 polls, it appears that Muslim votes shifted in favor of the Congress party.
As the JD(S) solidified its alliance with the NDA in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, discontent among Muslim leaders within the party grew palpable, prompting them to sever ties.
Among the notable resignations, the party’s senior state vice-president Syed Shafiullah has stepped down from all posts within the party, including his primary position. Other key figures such as state working president NM Nabi, former state minority unit president Naseer Hussain, youth unit working president NM Noor, and leaders Mohid Altaf have also decided to part ways with the party.
Following the official announcement of the JD(S)-BJP alliance, a gathering of Muslim leaders from the JD(S) convened at Kumarakrupa in Bengaluru, ultimately making the collective decision to distance themselves from the party and submit their resignations.
Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy traveled to Delhi, where he held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda to finalize the alliance process.
In a formal communication, Syed Shafiullah conveyed his decision to relinquish all party positions, including his role as senior state vice president, in a letter addressed to party chief HD Deve Gowda.
Addressing the development, Syed Shafiullah stated, “Earlier we had expressed our opposition to the alliance with the BJP. However, the decision to join hands with the BJP has been taken. Many leaders have decided to leave the party due to our opposition.”
