12-14-2007, 01:13 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Vokkaliga leader quits JDS, joins BJP </b>
PT Bopanna | Bangalore
... as 14 rebels desert Gowdas
In yet another set back for the Gowdas, Vokkaliga strongman from Mysore and JD (S) leader GT Devegowda decided to quit the party and join the BJP. This development came a day after rebel JD (S) leader and former Home Minister MP Prakash announced his decision to breakaway from the JD (S).
Putting up a brave front, JD (S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said: "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".
The decision of Mysore leader Devegowda to join the BJP is a major blow to the JD (S) because he was one of the strong pillars of the party both in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts.
Mysore district is considered a bastion of the JD(S) and cracks in the party would have a major impact on the party. Devegowda was upset with the JD (S) chief HD. Deve Gowda and his sons, especially for their decision to go back on their word to hand over power to the BJP under the coalition arrangement in October.
<b>Over 20,000 people turned up for the rally organised by the BJP </b>to welcome Devegowda into the party. The central BJP leader in-charge of Karnataka Yashwanth Sinha was also present.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
PT Bopanna | Bangalore
... as 14 rebels desert Gowdas
In yet another set back for the Gowdas, Vokkaliga strongman from Mysore and JD (S) leader GT Devegowda decided to quit the party and join the BJP. This development came a day after rebel JD (S) leader and former Home Minister MP Prakash announced his decision to breakaway from the JD (S).
Putting up a brave front, JD (S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said: "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".
The decision of Mysore leader Devegowda to join the BJP is a major blow to the JD (S) because he was one of the strong pillars of the party both in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts.
Mysore district is considered a bastion of the JD(S) and cracks in the party would have a major impact on the party. Devegowda was upset with the JD (S) chief HD. Deve Gowda and his sons, especially for their decision to go back on their word to hand over power to the BJP under the coalition arrangement in October.
<b>Over 20,000 people turned up for the rally organised by the BJP </b>to welcome Devegowda into the party. The central BJP leader in-charge of Karnataka Yashwanth Sinha was also present.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->