Zee News
 
Bangalore, Apr 19: Karnataka Home Minister and State unit JDS President M P Prakash has decided to retire from active politics from the next Assembly elections, which he said he would not contest.

"I am 66 now. I am aged. I have decided to retire from poll politics. This decision should have come from me long ago. But at least I am making it now", Prakash, who has the reputation as a suave, well read and cultured politician, told reporters here.

Soft-spoken Prakash, hailing from Bellary district, has decided to devote the rest of his time to theatre activities and his pet hobby, reading.

He said a repertory "Ranga Spandana" (theatre) would soon be ready at Hagaribommanahalli, his native village and also the Assembly constituency he represents.

Prakash however said it was left for his son, Ravi to decide on entering active politics and contest the next Assembly election.

Prakash, who is balancing the JDS-BJP coalition and is heavily depended upon to defend the government from the opposition inside both Houses of the Legislature, said there was pressure on him to contest from Hagaribommanahalli, which he would resist, indicating that his decision to bid goodbye to active politics is irreversible.