Former JD(S) ministers knocking on BJP doors

With BJP's prospects improving following its recent victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, former JD(S) ministers are queuing up before the state unit of the BJP to try their luck in the next Assembly elections.

Former JD(S) ministers H S Mahadeva Prasad, B N Bacche Gowda, H N Nanje Gowda and Alangur Srinivas are said to be keen on joining the BJP. The state unit has already held discussions with the four former ministers.

While Mahadeva Prasad, a Veerashaiva (the largest community in Karnataka), is a follower of former deputy chief minister M P Prakash, who is also set to join the BJP, the other three are Vokkaligas (second largest community in Karnataka).

"The BJP's votebank is predominantly in North Karnataka where we are popular among Veerashaivas. But our presence in South Karnataka, the Vokkaliga belt, is not strong. We want to gain a foothold in South Karnataka by inducting former JD(S) ministers into the party," BJP sources said.

All the four former ministers were close to the JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda at one point of time. But they distanced themselves from Gowda after the party withdrew support to the one-week-old BJP government led by B S Yeddyurappa.

"We faced severe criticism from our own community and constituencies after the JD(S) withdrew support to the BJP. We felt that our future political prospects would be compromised if we stayed in JD(S). Therefore, we are exploring our roles in BJP," a former JD(S) minister said.

Besides, M P Prakash, whose entry into BJP appears certain, is backing the former ministers. "Prakash wants BJP to ensure us suitable position if the party comes to power. The discussions are on," he said.

Other former JD(S) legislators showing interest in BJP include M Y Patil, Rajanna and H R Anjaneya,

According to sources, the BJP is also trying to rope in senior Congress leader R V Deshpande, who was with the JD(S) earlier. "He has shown interest in the party, but has taken time till the elections. We will wait," the BJP sources said.

The BJP is also attracting state government officers, who are ready to take a plunge into politics. Senior IPS officer K C Ramamurthy and B K Shivaram, who have submitted their resignation, are expected to join BJP shortly.