'Split will have no impact on party'

Former Karnataka CM plays down the split in his party, saying that the resignation by a section of partymen would have no impact on JD(S).

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday played down the split in his party, saying that the resignation by a section of partymen would have no impact on JD(S).

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"The split will have no impact on the party. Alternative arrangements are being made to head the party in places where some of our party leaders resigned", Kumaraswamy, whose efforts to avert a split had failed, told PTI in Bangalore.

Senior leader MP Prakash, who hails from dominant Lingayat community, heading the rebel camp, on Wednesday announced the decision to quit JDS along with 12 former MLAs and their supporters.

Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, said he would chart out a programme to tour the state from December 16 to strengthen the party, obviously to arrest the damage caused by the split.

Majority of the leaders, who walked out of JDS protesting against "dictatorial attitude" of Devegowda, represent North Karnataka region, besides old Mysore areas.

Rebels ranks were expected to swell in the coming days with Parimala Nagappa, wife of slain former minister H Nagappa, who comes from Chamarajnagar district in old Mysore areas, also deciding to quit JDS.

Former minister GT Devegowda, who hails from Mysore is joining BJP today, dealing yet another blow to JDS.