Senior leader M P Prakash quits Janata Dal (Secular)

Bangalore, Dec 12 (UNI) Protesting against the alleged autocratic functioning of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and his son H D Kumaraswamy, former Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash today resigned from the Janata Dal (secular) along with 10 party legislators of the dissolved Assembly and two members of the Legislative Council.

Announcing this at a press conference here he said he was quitting the party with ''pain and anguish'' and would decide on the future course of action in a few days time.

While eight former MLAs were physically present at the press conference, two more _- Mr Santosh Lad (abroad) and Mr Ravikanth Patil have expressed support to Mr Prakash's move.

Mr Prakash informed that the decision to quit the party was taken after a day long meeting with his supporters and former legislators.

He said the meeting besides decision to quit the party also unanimously empowered him to take the next course of action taking into consideration the ensuing Assembly elections.

Ruling out the possibilities of floating another political party, Mr Prakash said that party's former legislators and other leaders have agreed to abide by his decision.

Stating that there are many options before him, Mr Prakash said that a committee consisting three or five senior leaders would be formed to take a final decision. Mr Prakash neither denied nor confirmed about the possibilities of joining Congress or BJP.

Former legislators of the dissolved assembly including Mahadev Prasad, Sharanabasava Darshanapur, M Y Patil, B C Patil, K Rajanna, Balachandra, Raju Gowda, Amaregowda Bayyapur and Chidanand, B T Channabasappa (Both MLC's) were present at the press conference.

UNI