Bellary BJP leaders not for Prakash

A section of BJP leaders, particularly those from Bellary district, are opposing the entry of former deputy chief minister M P Prakash, to the party fold.

Prakash, who recently resigned from the JD(S) following differences with party president H D Deve Gowda, is being engaged by Congress and BJP leaders.

With BJP witnessing resounding success in Gujarat, the party's top leaders are wooing Prakash, who belongs to the state's largest community "" Veerashaivas.

However, Bellary's BJP leaders such as MP Karunakar Reddy, his brother Janardhana Reddy (MLC) and former minister B Sriramulu are opposing extending invitation to Prakash. They met former chief minister and state BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa and held talks with him on the issue.

According to sources, Prakash's entry to BJP is being opposed due to various reasons. "Prakash is a senior leader and could have the final say in all party matters. BJP leaders, who have been fighting Prakash all these years in Bellary, may find it difficult to get along with him," the sources said.

Yeddyurappa told reporters that the issue would be discussed with the party's national leaders before taking a final decision on inviting Prakash to BJP.