Gowda ignores Prakash outbursts, Cong looking for elections

Bangalore, Nov 25 (UNI) Janata Dal(S) supremo H D Devegowda today chose to ignore the ante of revolt upped again by rebel leader M P Prakash and said any leader was free to come into or go out of the party.

Reacting to Mr Prakash's earlier statement in Belgaum that he would not attend the November 29 party working committee meeting in the city and instead would hold a 'parallel' meeting of 'like-minded' Legislators a day earlier, Mr Gowda retorted, "many leaders have come and gone in this party during the last four decades. They are free to go wherever they want to. Let us see how many legislators would attend Mr Prakash's meeting." Meanwhile, KPCC president Mallikarjuna Kharge said the party will not at any cost align with any group belonging to the JD(S).

"No we are not going to align again with JD(S) including Mr Prakash's splinter group. We are looking for an early decision from the Centre on effecting President's rule and mid term elections," Mr Kharge who met Governor Rameshwar Thakur to discuss the present political situation said.

In Mysore, Congress leader Siddaramaiah the political parties in Karnataka had no option to face mid term elections. Congress held an advantage to win majority, he said.

Meanwhile BJP prepared grounds for the month-long 'Janajagruti Yatra' beginning tomorrow to 'highlight' how JD(S) had 'conspired' and 'betrayed' the party, resulting in the fall of week-old Yeddyurappa government. It would also 'highlight' the good governance provided by the BJP ministers during the 20 month rule of JD(S)-BJP government.

The yatra would begin in the city and traverse through many parts of the state till December 26.

UNI