Ex-Janata Parivar leaders favour merger

BENGALURU: Buoyed by the success of ‘Mahakatbhandan’ in the recent polls to Legislative Assembly in Bihar, leaders of erstwhile Janata Parivar have favored a merger at the national level of various parties at a meeting held here on Thursday.

A senior leader who attended the meeting held at the residence of former legislator Mahima Patel said it was the first step and nothing concrete had emerged, other than all participants urging to bring constituents of erstwhile Janata Parivar in the state under one umbrella. “Various issues, including about some Janata Parivar members who migrating to other parties were discussed. Some of our leaders, who are now in the BJP and Congress, are comfortable. However, there are many who are uncomfortable. Since the position of Congress is not so good, some Congress leaders also want to strengthen the Janata Parivar. At this juncture, no names can be revealed,” he added.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders like Mr Basavaraj Horatti, MLC, state JD (U) chief Dr M P Nadagouda, former ministers Mr M C Nanaiah and Mr Ekanthaiah, and Mr B R Patil, MLA. Dr Nadagouda said the leaders discussed some glitches that could prevent direct merger of JD(U) and JD(S). “Most people want the merger at national level under single umbrella. However, leaders like Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mr Deve Gowda have reservations over changing their party symbols. We have to resolve such issues first, if we have to take it forward. We have asked JD(S) leaders to discuss the issue with Mr Gowda, while national leaders would take up the issue with Mulayam Singh,” he added.

Stating that it was too early to talk about merger, Dr Nadagouda said the leaders were still in the process of coming together. “Simultaneously, leaders will hold talks and take a final decision on merger. Till such time, many meetings will be held, and some committees will be formed to oversee the process,” he added.