From Leader-in-Waiting to Leader-in-Action: Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s Road to Revival – Janarondige Janata Dal

Bengaluru | June 14, 2025 :

From Setbacks to Strategy: A Political Reset in Motion

In the shadow of two electoral defeats and a mission at hand, Nikhil Kumaraswamy—the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and son of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy—is embarking on a transformative journey across Karnataka. 

Far from the glare of public rallies or social media optics, this is a mission of substance: to listen, rebuild, and lead from the ground up.

Titled “Janarondige Janata Dal” (JDS with the People), the 58-day tour begins June 16 from Tumakuru. Nikhil plans to travel more than 10,000 kilometers, covering 80 Assembly constituencies—not with showmanship, but with sincerity. At a time when regional parties across India are grappling with political challenges, this initiative seeks to breathe new life into the Janata Dal (Secular) at the grassroots level.

Living With the Cadre, Leading With Purpose

What makes this journey stand out is Nikhil's decision to stay in the homes of grassroots workers—not hotels, not guesthouses. His nights will be spent in party workers’ homes, and meals shared at their dining tables. By covering two taluks per day, he aims to build not just presence, but personal bonds.

There will be no political jamborees or processions. Instead, Nikhil will hold closed-door meetings with local leaders and cadre, aiming to understand challenges and draw up district-specific strategies for organizational rebuilding.

Why Now?

The timing is as political as it is personal. With his father assuming responsibilities at the Centre, the party’s state unit has seen diminished activity. Moreover, the buzz around upcoming Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections, and the need to strengthen the organisation has given urgency to the task.

The deeper calculation is clear: a stronger grassroots JDS will wield more power in the future. This is Nikhil’s shot at redeeming past defeats and stepping into a revival role.

Bouncing Back: Learning from Losses

Nikhil’s entry into politics was anything but easy. He contested from Mandya in 2019 and Ramanagara in 2023—both high-profile defeats that could have ended a lesser candidate’s journey. But, as the saying goes, "A bend in the road is not the end of the road."

Rather than retreat, Nikhil has chosen to reset. His current path mirrors the silent yet powerful political journey of his grandfather, Deve Gowda—grounded, patient, and people-first.

Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s Political Journey

2018: Enters active politics, announced as Mandya candidate

2019: Faces defeat in Mandya Lok Sabha polls

2023: Contests from Ramanagara in Assembly polls – defeated again

2024: Starts assuming key party responsibilities post-father’s central elevation

2025: Launches “Janarondige Janata Dal” tour to strengthen grassroots network

Leader-in-action

Nikhil Kumaraswamy isn’t just traveling for votes—he’s traveling to earn trust. With humility shaped by setbacks and determination rooted in legacy, this tour could well be the turning point that transforms him from a leader-in-waiting to a leader-in-action.

In the heart of Karnataka’s dusty lanes and humble homes, a young leader walks — not to be seen, but to listen. And perhaps, to rise.