JD(S) legislator resigns to protest against party's decision

Bangalore, Oct 7 (UNI) The difference of opinion among JD(S) legislators over the power transfer issue came to fore here tonight with JD(S) MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Mahima J Patel putting his papers to protest against the party's decision to not to handover power to BJP.

Talking to UNI, Mr Patel, the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister J H Patel, said a majority of the party legislators had disapproved the decision of party President H D Devegowda on power transfer.

The dissident legislators held a separate meeting after the JDLP meet convened by the Chief Minister this morning and distanced themselves from the party's stand.

Mr Patel was the first leader to openly protest against the party's decision.

''The JD(S) legislators, who are not happy with the decision, will take their own stand within a few days'' he said.

Claiming that the decision of JD(S) was taken by 'a few and selected leaders' and was 'imposed' on the party, Mr Patel said, ''It is highly unethical on the part of Chief Minister not to honour the commitment to the BJP''.

Legislators, who were in favour of upholding the political values, were prevented to air their views in the October four party State Executive meeting, Mr Patel said.

About the future course of action, he said he was in touch with majority of the ''disgruntled'' legislators and would take a 'final decision' if Chief Minister failed to heed to their opinion.

UNI