Rebel JD(S) group to decide future course of action tomorrow

Bangalore, Dec 26 (UNI) Former Karnataka Home Minister and senior Janata Dal(S) dissident leader M P Prakash has called a meeting of leaders supporting him to decide the future course of political action after having parted ways with the party.

All the eight former legislators of the dissolved assembly are expected to attend the meeting and hold discussions with Mr Prakash, who has been authorised to 'negotiate' with different political parties before deciding their future course of action.

Mr Amaregouda Bayyapura, former minister and a staunch supporter of Mr Prakash told UNI that tomorrow's meeting, however, may not be final in arriving at a decision. ''There are several options before us and they need to be discussed thoroughly'' he said.

He said the group, which fell away from H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S) had received offers from the BJP, Congress and the BSP, while the JD(S) was also trying to woo them back. ''We have full confidence in Mr Prakash, who has rich political experience and will take the right decision that will be acceptable to all,'' he said.

Mr Prakash, who had adopted anti-Congress and anti-BJP stand in his three decade-long political career, was being lured by both the parties now. While several of his supporters are in favour of joining Congress, some are inclined towards the saffron party.

Meanwhile, state leaders of the BSP, which successfully held the impressive 'Brotherhood Rally' addressed by party supremo Ms Mayavati also met Mr Prakash and invited them to join the party.

Ms Mayavati had also extended open invitation to the group to join her party, stating the BSP believed in empowering all sections of the society.

UNI