Speculation on merger of Dal factions

By K. V. Prasad

NEW DELHI, OCT. 7. The recent victory of the Janata Dal (United) in the Kagwad Assembly constituency in Karnataka has once again sparked off speculation on possible merger between the party and Janata Dal (Secular). But going by the mood of senior leaders a lot of ground would have to be covered.

The JD(U) has acknowledged that the victory of its candidate, Mr. Bharamagouda Alagouda Patil, was made possible by the JD(S) support to it. There is a realisation in both the parties that by going together they could re-emerge as an alternative to the Congress in Karnataka. But it remains to be seen whether the top leadership of either party in the State would bury their differences and join hands once again.

Earlier this week, the JD(S) President, Mr. H. D. Deve Gowda, stated that in the wake of the Kagwad result, some development could take place in the future and hinted at a possible merger between the two Janata Dal factions.

However, the statement was not received with much enthusiasm by senior leader Mr. Ramakrishna Hegde, who preferred to state that while workers of the JD(S) were welcome, the same could not be said of Mr. Gowda.

Mr. Hegde was critical of the attitude of Mr. Gowda, stating that in the past the JD(S) chief had worked against him after being re-inducted into the Janata Dal fold in early 90s.

While terming unity talks as being without foundation, Mr. Hegde told The Hindu, that majority of workers who had gone with the JD(S) were once with him and he has no objection to their return.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the JD(U) General Secretary, Mr. M. Raghupathy who was of the opinion that ``keeping the past experience in mind, a lot of homework has to be done''.

Mr. Raghupathy, who belonged to the erstwhile Lok Shakti founded by Mr. Hegde, said in any case the party has to go by the decision of the State unit which had passed a resolution last month to stay in the National Democratic Alliance.

Mr. Gowda had said that while State level understanding could not be ruled out, the merger of the JD(S) with the JD(U) could be considered only when the latter snaps its ties with the BJP-led NDA. Meanwhile, party sources said the former Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. J. H. Patel was expected here by October 10.

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Section  : National
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