Bhatkal: Uttara Kannada JD(S) district president Suraj Naik said party leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is likely to return as Karnataka Chief Minister in 2028, expressing confidence in the party’s growing strength.

Speaking after a party meeting in Bhatkal, Naik said JD(S) has launched a year-long organisational drive as part of its silver jubilee celebrations and will focus on upcoming local body elections in Uttara Kannada, where it expects to secure several seats.

He said the party, as part of the NDA alliance, will play a key role in the 2028 elections, adding that the alliance leadership will decide the next Chief Minister.

Responding to the exit of minority leader Inayatullah Shabandari, Naik said the party remains committed to its secular ideology, acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence that new leaders will emerge.

Among those present were Bhatkal JD(S) unit president Ishwar Naik, T.T. Naik, Dattatreya Patgar, Krishnanand Pai, Venkatesh Naik Talagodu, advocate Rajavardhan, Mahabaleshwar Hegde, Balu Gowda, Uday Gowda, Zainullabiddin, Amjed, Subraya Naik Belke, Shankar Naik and others.