Karnataka Revenue Minister M. P. Prakash was today elected as the leader of the JD (S) Legislature Party in the State, replacing Deputy Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah.

The JD (S) MLAs, numbering 53 and 7 MLCs, who met at the residence of Prakash here this morning, formally elected him as the JD (S) LP leader.

The JD (S) LP, through Party State President N. Thippanna and State Working President H. D. Kumaraswamy, had informed the Assembly Speaker Krishna and Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh yesterday about the ouster of Siddaramaiah for flouting party orders and attending a convention of the backward classes in Hubli last month.

Prakash, later talking to newspersons, said he would hold consultations with party supremo and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and decide on meeting the Chief Minister to press for the sacking of Siddaramaiah and two Ministers — H. C. Mahadevappa and Satish Jharkiholi.

Prakash told media persons that his choice for JD (S) LP leadership is a boon, which he never aspired for and promised to work towards building the party.

Reacting to the questions on the crisis in the JD (S), Prakash said the internal crisis is prevalent in every political party and the problem in JD (S) is of no great significance. These matters would not, in any way, come in the way of governance or the party, he said.

“We have formed the Government four times and the problems faced now is only temporary for which we will find solutions to set right”, he said.

“It is not right to waste time on deepening the present crisis by tabling technical problems in party affairs. The confidence reposed in me is the opinion of the majority of MLAs and to fight over this is not correct in a democratic set up”, he said.

While saying all this crisis came to the fore because of Siddaramaiah attending the Dalit's conference in Hubli, Prakash said the Government has not neglected dalits or backward classes but initiated many projects for their welfare. This entire crisis is the outcome of certain vested interests to suppress Deve Gowda by organizing this conference.

Besides MLAs and MLCs, senior Party Leaders, including Thippanna, Kumaraswamy and Secretary General Mahima Patel were also present in the meeting.

Courtesy: Star of Mysore

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