Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 28: Former city mayor and veteran Congressman from the district and vice president of minority cell of the party, K Ashraf, as per sources, is moving towards JD(S). Discussions with top leaders of JD(S) are in progress, and a final decision is likely to be announced soon.

As per information, discussions were held with JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda, state JD(S) president, H D Kumaraswamy, and state general secretary of the party, B M Farooq, during the recent visit of these leaders to Dakshina Kannada district. It is said that Ashraf has put forth some pre-conditions for his joining, like fielding him from city (south) constituency. If these demands get favourable response, Ashraf's joining that party will be hastened, it is said.

Ashraf, who is with the Congress since the last three decades, happens to be a three-time corporator and mayor for a term. He had resigned from his post when working as city block president of the party after differences arose with party leadership. Ashraf, who aired his unhappiness about certain developments in the party thereafter, had been offered the post of the state vice president of party's minority unit last year. This move has failed to appease the leader.

Ashraf says that his family, which has remained loyal to Congress since long, has been disillusioned of late. He said that some stands taken by party leaders recently have pained him. "People who have been serving the party since long are being sidelined and newcomers are getting plum posts. An effort had also been made to snub me in the party through a conspiracy," he explains.

JD(S), which has failed to establish itself as a strong contender in Dalsjhina Kannada district, is determined to make an impact this time. It is laying added emphasis on city (south), Mangaluru, Moodbidri, Puttur and Sullia assembly constituencies.

It is felt that the decision of Ashraf, who is the current president of Dakshina Kannada District Union of Muslim Organizations and has a trusted band of supporters, to leave the party might create a splash in the party. The impact might be particularly visible in city(south) constituency, political analysts believe.