JD(S) in Karnataka heading for a Split

The JD(S) in Karnataka is heading for further trouble with senior leader M P Prakash taking on H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy over the support to BJP. Prakash feels betrayed by JD(S) top leaders in unilaterally announcing the party's support to BJP to form the government while he was holding parleys with the Congress in Delhi on government formation.

Prakash has expressed surprise and questioned Deve Gowda's decision of going to BJP after refusing to transfer power to that party and directing him to approach the Congress. The split within the JD(S) seems likely after a number of legislators threw their weight behind M P Prakash.

Senior BJP leader B S Yediyuarappa met JD(S) leader M P Prakash on Sunday and sought his cooperation in the formation of a BJP-led coalition government. He also requested Prakash to join his ministry and guide the government with his vast experience. Former CM H D Kumaraswamy also met Prakash to hold discussions on the latest development.