Fearing more resignations, the Janata Dal (Secular) moved its legislators to a resort near Nandi Hills on Bengaluru’s outskirts even as Monday witnessed hectic consultations among the top leaders.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who was involved in discussions with the Congress leaders late last night, met his father and party national president H.D. Deve Gowda and his brother and Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna to discuss the political developments that have brought the government to the brink.
On the back of the JD(S) Legislature Party meeting late on Sunday night soon after Mr. Kumaraswamy returned from his U.S. trip, another meeting of MLAs was held at a hotel here where he is learnt to have appealed to the legislators not to fall prey to the lure of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also asked them to bring to his notice if anyone approached them with an offer. “While the party plans to send an emissary to convince and bring back K.R. Pet legislator Narayan Gowda and Mahalakshmi Layout legislator Gopalaiah, it has been decided not to approach former party president A.H. Vishwanath. We are hopeful of the two legislators returning to the party fold,” sources said.
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On Monday, Mr. Kumaraswamy is also learnt to have approached disgruntled senior Congress leader and seven-time legislator Ramalinga Reddy, whose resignation has shocked many in the Congress, and tried to convince him to withdraw his resignation.
Meanwhile, all eyes will now be on the Congress Legislature Party meeting at the Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday morning as it will provide a clear picture to the coalition leaders.