Southern States - Karnataka   

S.K.Kanta, others to join JD(S)

By Our Special Correspondent

GULBARGA Feb. 11. In a decision that may have a far-reaching impact on the prospects of the Janata Dal (S) in the region, the senior leaders, S.K.Kanta, Ekanthaiah, Virupakshappa Agadi, Vishwanath Patil, N.S.Khed, Gureddy, and Gowli Mahadevappa, among others, have decided to join the Janata Dal (S) in the presence of the party President and former Prime Minister, H.D.Deve Gowda, and the President of the State unit of the party, Siddaramaiah, here on February 15.

This would give a shot in the arm to the Janata Dal (S) and the Lingayats' support to the party is likely to grow. The loser in the process will be the Janata Dal (U), which was a force to reckon with till the last Assembly elections. The Janata Dal (S), which was marginalised in the district after the break-up of the Janata Dal, suffered humiliating defeats in all elections. Although Janata Dal (U) did not make significant gains, the party was second to the Congress, relegating the BJP and the Janata Dal (S) to the third and fourth places, respectively.

Sources close to Mr. Kanta told The Hindu that the failure of the former Chief Minister, S.R.Bommai, to come up with a merger formula that was acceptable to both the factions of the Janata Dal was the main reason for the leaders in the region to decide to join the Janata Dal (S). Sources said that C.Gurunath, former minister, who had identified himself with the All-India Janata Dal (AIJD) had also expressed interest in joining the Janata Dal (S), but due to the death of his brother in Dubai two days ago, the decision (on his joining the JD-S) had been postponed. Mr. Gurunath left for Dubai to bring the body of his brother.

A two-time MLA and a former Labour Minister in the Ramakrishna Hegde Cabinet, Mr. Kanta is a respected leader known for his integrity and fight against corruption. Although Mr. Kanta suffered setbacks, losing one election after another, he has a good following in the Janata Dal (U). His decision to join the Janata Dal (S) would be a big loss to the Janata Dal (U).

During the visit of the senior AIJD leaders, including P.G.R.Sindhia and M.P.Prakash, to the district a few days ago, Mr. Kanta and his supporters kept away from the meeting addressed by the AIJD leaders.

Mr. Ekanthaiah is also a popular leader in Chitradurga. The Janata Dal (S) will become stronger in Raichur, Koppal, Gulbarga, Bijapur, and Chitradurga districts with these leaders joining it.

Sources said that these leaders were disgusted with the Janata Dal (U) and the AIJD, whose formation only widened the rift in the Janata Parivar.

The former Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, B.R.Patil, joined the Janata Dal (S) sometime ago.

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