JD(S) to field candidates in all assembly constituencies

Mysore, Dec 5 (UNI) The Janata Dal(S) would field its candidates in all the 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka in the coming elections, former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced here today.

Speaking to newspersons after holding party workers meeting here, he said the base of the JD(S) in Karnataka was intact and strong.

''There is no need to hold yathras like other parties for JD(S), which would return to power on its own strength'', he added.

Referring to dissident activities in the party, he hoped that it would end soon after speaking to those, who were unhappy with the leadership. ''I will meet party's senior leader M P Prakash soon and sort out the differences, if any'' he added.

Mr Kumaraswamy said former Minister and party leader Cheluvaraya Swamy has decided not to leave the party after holding talks with him.

Accusing the BJP leaders for indulging in harassing rather than seeking cooperation during the 20-month JD(S)-BJP regime in the State, the former Chief Minister alleged that the BJP leaders betrayed JD(S). Had the BJP been so strong, it would not have resorted to encourage defection from other parties'', he added.

Criticising the decision of party leader and former Minister G T Deve Gowda's decision to join the BJP as 'hasty' Mr Kumaraswamy said he will focus his attention on strengthening the party organisation in Mysore and appoint the District President shortly.

UNI