Dissident JD(S) leader Prakash hold parleys with Veerendra Kumar

Bangalore, Nov 28 (UNI) Janata Dal(S) Surendra Mohan faction leader M P Veerendra Kumar today met rebel leader M P Prakash and invited him and his 'disgruntled' group of JD(S) legislators to join the faction, today.

Speaking to news persons after meeting Mr Prakash he described his meeting as a 'courtesy call'. However sources said reportedly discussed the political situation in Karnataka.

Mr Kumar said that the recent political developments in the state had exposed the real colour of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Claiming that the Surendra Mohan faction Janata Dal(S) truly represented the real nature of 'Secularism', he said it reflected very well in his home state of Kerala. "Our's faction is real JD(S) and not that of the party which is headed by Mr Gowda" he said.

Mr Surendra Mohan and Mr Kumar broke away from JD(S) headed by Mr Gowda after the party aligned with the BJP to form a government in Karnataka during February last year.

Mr Prakash, who has raised the banner of revolt against Mr Gowda and his son H D Kumaraswamy has convened a meeting of 'Like-minded leaders in JD(S)' to decide their future course of action in the city later today.

Over 25 to 30 party legislators who are unhappy with both Gowda and Mr Kumaraswamy were expected to participate in the meeting and leave the party. Parties like SP, BSP and JD(U) are wooing the unhappy legislators to their fold.

UNI