Prakash too deserts Deve Gowda

Recent developments encouraged him to ditch JD(S).

Former Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash who was upset with the autocratic decisions of party supremo H D Deve Gowda, has further distanced himself from the party.

A follower of socialist Ram Manohar Lohia, Prakash joined the JD(S) a few years ago because of political convenience.

Though not a staunch supporter of Gowda, Prakash has been in the JD(S) because of his experience in state politics. However, on Sunday, Prakash made it clear that he won't be in the JD(S) anymore.

"Some of the recent political developments have not only upset me personally but have put a question mark on my political career. I am not party to any of the decision taken by Gowda in the last three years," he said.

Prakash and 12 of his supporting MLAs have decidced to boycott the JD(S) executive council meetings scheduled towards the month-end. "Nobody knows what is happening in JD(S). Gowda is not consulting any of the senior party leaders. Total anarchy prevails in the lower rungs of the party. I don't see a reason for attending the meeting," he said.

He pointed out that he would consider his followers and sup-porters and chart out the next course of action. This comes as a strong blow to the JD(S) which is facing mass desertions.

Prakash, a popular political personality hailing from the largest community in the state, Veerashaivas, is no more in talking terms with Gowda.

All the Veerashaiva legislators (12) are following in Prakash's footsteps. But, Gowda seemed unperturbed by the developments.

"I am not bothered about who is leaving or joining us. People have faith in us. We know how to build JD(S) from scratch even if the so-called leaders leave our party," Deve Gowda said.

When Kumaraswamy toppled the JD(S) government in January '06, Prakash had opposed the alliance with the BJP. However, he was convinced to join the government later.

After JD(S) refused to transfer power to the BJP on October 3, Prakash tried his best to form a government with Congress support. However, it did not materialise.