Karnataka JD leadership crisis over

BANGALORE, Nov 13 (PTI) — A showdown between the warring factions of Karnataka’s ruling Janata Dal on Chief Minister J H Patel’s leadership was averted at the Janata Dal Legislature Party (JDLP) meeting here today following a truce brokered by top party leaders.

In an anti-climax, the much awaited meeting merely authorised the party chief Sharad Yadav through a resolution to resolve ‘the problems’ in the party’s state unit in consultation with national and state leaders but did not mention the leadership issue.

The meeting lasting barely 30 minutes passed a resolution to this effect, capping hectic efforts since last night by Mr Yadav, senior leader S R Bommai and state ministers to prevent a trial of strength.

Mr Yadav, who had a prolonged breakfast meeting with former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, the rallying point for the dissident MLAs seeking Mr Patel’s ouster, and state leaders, said both factions wanted to strengthen the party but parried questions on Mr Patel’s leadership.

"The resolution (JDLP’s) is the solution," he repeatedly said in response to a volley of questions whether the removal of Mr Patel was ruled out.

Mr Yadav declined to specify ‘the problems’ the state unit was facing as mentioned in the resolution but said no time frame had been fixed to solve them.

The meeting, scheduled for 10 a.m. was postponed to the afternoon to facilitate consultations amongst senior leaders.

The dissident MLAs had met Mr Yadav yesterday and insisted on a secret ballot to decide the leadership issue.