Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, Gowda curtly asked the rebel leaders to quit the party as early as possible. “I have seen enough of these (leaders leaving the party). Those who want to go will not be stopped,” he stated.
Leaders leaving political parties is common during elections. It does not mean that the party will perish and it has no future, he added.

Indirectly referring to Prakash, Gowda alleged that some leaders tried hard to split the party recently under the impression that Gowda has become weak. But they did not succeed.

He also said he will start touring the State from December 11, as part of preparations for the upcoming polls. The process of preparing the list of candidates to contest in the elections will be finalised within a month’s time, he added.

Talks
But Kumaraswamy, later spoke just the opposite. “I am holding talks with the leaders (rebel), including Prakash and N Chaluvarayaswamy, and trying to sort out the differences. You will see the result of my efforts in eight to 10 days,” he stated.

He, in turn, alleged that the problem of dissidents is more severe in the BJP than the JD(S). But still BJP leaders are commenting on others, he added.

Meanwhile, the party has appointed new heads to its district units.

News presidents
Bellary -- H Hanumanthappa, Bijapur -- H S Managoli, Hassan -- H K Jawaregowda, Gadag -- K Sharatti, Kolar -- Venkatshivareddy and Hubli-Dharwad -- Mujayeed Contractor.