Gowda, HDK unperturbed over Prakash move

Bangalore, Dec 13: Former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and and JD-S National President H D Devegowda today played down the resignation a section of former legislators led by Mr M P Prakash saying that the move would have no impact on the party. An unperturbed Mr Kumaraswamy, who made attempts to avert the split told newsmen here that the resignations would have no impact on the party.

''Alternative arrangements are being made to head the party in places where some of our party leaders resigned'' he added. Mr Devegowda, in his reaction on the resignations said that no one could wipe out his party in the state. Stating that the party is committed to work for the welfare of the people particularly, the minorities, he said that they need not fear and it would teach a lesson to communal forces.

Senior leader M P Prakash, who hails from a dominant Lingayat community, heading the rebel camp, yesterday announced the decision to quit JD-S along with 12 former legisltors and their supporters expressing resentment over the manner in which the party was being run by Mr Devegowda and his son Mr Kumaraswamy.

Devegowda, Kumaraswamy unperturbed over Prakash move Mr Kumaraswamy said he would chalk out a programme to tour the state from December 16 to strengthen the party, obviously to arrest the damage caused by the split. Wishing a gook luck to Mr Prakash on his future political and personal life, he said he was grateful to him for helping him when he was Chief Minister.

"I wish him a good luck and success in his future endeavour," he said.

Majority of the leaders, who walked out of JD-S protesting against "dictatorial attitude" of Mr Devegowda and sons, represent North Karnataka region, besides old Mysore areas.

Former legislators like Mr B C Patil, Mr Amaregowda Byyapura, Mr M Y Patil and Mr Suryanarayana Reddy have a sizeable clout in parts of North Karnataka districts and Mr H S Mahadeva Prasad holds a key in old Mysore areas.

Former Minister G T Devegowda, who hails from Mysore is joining BJP today, dealing yet another blow to JD-S. UNI