Hassan, Jan. 24 -- Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy said the party's Silver Jubilee celebrations were being held in Hassan, its birthplace, with the aim of strengthening the JDS and countering what he termed attempts by political opponents to destroy the party.

After offering prayers at the family deity in Hassan, Kumaraswamy recalled the origins and journey of the party on Saturday, saying, "Under the leadership of Deve Gowda, JDS started from Congress O and became Janata Dal, Janata Party. Then it was split in 1999 due to disagreements among the leaders. Now JDS has completed 25 years."

He said the Silver Jubilee conference was significant as it was being organised at the party's birthplace. "The Silver Ju...