Reorganisation of Karnataka JD-S after April 5: Gowda

Bangalore, Mar 28: Restructuring of Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka will be taken up after April 5, former Prime Minister and party President H D Deve Gowda said today. Talking to newspersons here, he said the process would begin immediately after completion of the ongoing Assembly Budget Session. Members, who were interested in party work and those who were found necessary, irrespective of whatever the post they are holding in the Cabinet, would be deployed for strengthening the party.

Mr Gowda clarified that the restructuring was not in view of any elections but to strengthen the party from the grassroots level.

Reorganisation of District Units and weaker Taluk units would also be taken up simultaneously, he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Gowda ruled out the possibility of the party having poll understanding with its coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the coming Local body elections. ''We will not join hands with BJP. However, candidates would not be fielded wherever it was felt that party was weak, but there will be no poll alliance with BJP'', he added.

Stating that the atmosphere was conducive for JD-S to establish itself in Goa, Mr Gowda said that a 500 member Office bearers including at the State, District and Taluk units would be formed and he would be addressing the inaugural meeting new office bearers on April One in Goa.

UNI