The former Minister and Hunsur MLA, A.H. Vishwanath, will take over the reins of the Janata Dal (Secular) State unit on Monday.
After consultation with senior party leaders, including the incumbent State unit President and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Sunday, party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda made the announcement.
Mr. Vishwanath, who joined the party just over a year ago from the Congress, will be leading the party according to the “one man-one post” principle, which the party has adhered to in the past, Mr. Gowda told presspersons here.
He said: “In the past, C.M. Ibrahim became the president when I became the Chief Minister and the late M.P. Prakash had taken over the reigns when (the former Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah was the Deputy Chief Minister.”
Mr. Kumaraswamy had, on multiple occasions, expressed his desire to step down from the post after taking over as Chief Minister, he added.
Stating that the decision to elevate Mr. Vishwanath was unanimous, Mr. Gowda said: “Other office-bearers will also be changed and youth from backward castes and minorities, and women will be given priority during the reshuffle.”
He added that the executive committee will be formed within the next 10 days.
Mr. Gowda also revealed that some district units were not functioning well, and that the leaders will be touring those districts to revamp the party.