Daijiworld Media Network - Ramanagara (SP)

Ramanagara, Oct 31: JD(S), which is already facing one reverse after the other, has encountered another obstacle. Its MLC Puttanna, has shocked the party by claiming that all the MLCs of the party including himself have decided to leave the party en masse.

Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, October 30, Puttanna claimed that the first round of discussions has already been held with JD(S) MLCs including a senior leader, Basavaraj Horatti. "We will discuss the matter again. Barring a couple of people, all others have decided to desert the JD(S)," he stated.

Puttanna said that he and his colleagues in the party will reveal in the coming days reasons for their quitting the party. "We explained about our pains to party leaders. But they do not feel anything about our woes," he said, indirectly blaming the leader of the parliamentary party, H D Kumaraswamy. He said the MLCs have invitations from other parties. "Even though we have respect for former Prime Minister, Deve Gowda, the environment in the party is such that we cannot stay there. Whichever party I go, I will continue to fight for the rights of teachers as I represent their constituency," he clarified.