PTI
 
Bangalore, Sep 3: Former minister Merajuddin Patel was on Sunday appointed the president of the Karnataka unit of JD(S), replacing the incumbent, Home Minister M P Prakash.

Patel will assume office on Monday, JD(S)Chief H D Devegowda announced at a function held in the party office here in the absence of Prakash, who is away in Bellary.

The appointment of Patel, who hails from a minority community, has surprised many in the party as it was coming about a month ahead of the scheduled power transfer from JD(S)to BJP in the state.

Gowda also said he would appoint new office-bearers to the state, district and taluk units in two days to gear up the party for coming local body elections. He would himself undertake statewide tour also to strengthen the party.

In a veiled threat to BJP, Gowda said he would not spare any government that would not protect the interests of minorities.

The former prime minister said the decision to appoint a chief to the state unit was taken following a request by Prakash that he be permitted to step down from party post.

"I have taken the consent of Prakash for the appointment of the new president", he said.