Prakash not to float any regional party

Davanagere, Karnataka, Jan 2 (UNI) Ruling out the possibility of floating a new regional political party, Janata Dal (Secular) rebel leader and former Karnataka home minister M P Prakash today said there was no scope for a regional party in the state.

Talking to newspersons here, he said ''there was no scope for a regional party in Karnataka, unlike in other states, and it had been proved by parties floated by former chief ministers S Bangarappa and R Gundurao.'' To a question, Mr Prakash said there was remote chance for the extension of President's rule in the state. ''President's rule was extended beyond six months in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir when the they were hit by terrorist activities. There was no such situation in Karnataka,'' he added.

He reiterated that he alongwith his supporters who were members of the dissolved Legislative Assembly would take a final decision on joining either the BJP or Congress only after 'Makara Sankranthi' (January 14).

Mr Prakash denied that he was facing stiff resistance from the BJP in his home district of Bellary to join that party.

Mr Prakash, who had quit the JD(S) in protest against the ''indifferent'' attitude of the party leaders, along with ten other Legislators of the dissolved Assembly, was being lured by the Congress, BJP and BSP to join them.

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