JD(S) to field candidates in all the 224 assembly seats

Mysore, Dec 05 (UNI) Janata Dal(S) would field its candidates in all the 224 assembly seats in Karnataka in the coming elections, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy announced here today.

Speaking to newsmen after holding party workers meeting here today Mr Kumaraswamy informed that the base of the JD(S) in Karnataka was intact and strong. "There is no any need to hold yathras like other parties for JD(S) which would return to power on its own strength" he said.

Referring to dissident activities witnessing in the party Mr Kumaraswamy expressed confidence 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 if there were any differences" he said. Former minister and party leader Cheluvaraya Swamy has decided not to leave the party after holding talks with him, Mr Kumaraswamy said.

Accusing that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders indulged in harassing rather than cooperating during the 20-month JD(S)-BJP government in the state the former Chief Minister charged that the BJP leaders betrayed JD(S). Taking dig at the BJP leaders who were involved in luring party leaders "If really BJP was so strong it would not have resorted to encourage defection from other parties" he said.

Describing the decision of party leader and former minister G T Deve Gowda's decision to join BJP as 'hasty' Mr Kumaraswamy informed that he will give focus to strengthen the party organisation in Mysore and appoint district president shortly, he said.

UNI