Rebel MLAs discuss Govt formation

These rebel JDS MLAs are opposing renewed ties with the BJP on government formation in Karnataka.

Rebel JDS leader MP Prakash on Monday held consultations with party MLAs supporting him to chalk out the strategy of the group, which is opposing the renewed ties with BJP on government formation in Karnataka.

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Continuing his defiant posture, Prakash, who was Home Minister in the HD Kumaraswamy government, told reporters that his group would communicate to Governor Rameshwar Thakur on Monday afternoon its views on the ongoing government formation exercise.

Prakash, who hails from the dominant Lingayat community, has raised a banner of revolt against the party's decision to join forces again with the BJP to prop up a coalition government.

He declined to talk about the number of MLAs supporting him. It is no secret that Prakash, a senior politician, enjoys the support of a section of party MLAs.

Vatal Nagaraj (Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha) and some of the independents, including Jayaprakash Hegde, have already extended their support to Prakash.

Asked if he would continue efforts to form government with the Congress, he said: "so far, the Congress has not sent any proposal".

Meanwhile, a joint legislature party meeting of JDS and BJP which was scheduled to start on Monday, has been called off.

JDS MLAs supporting former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who had been moved to the city outskirts to keep the group's flock together, were shifted to another resort.

In a show of strength, BJP is expected to parade its MLAs before the Governor on Monday evening.