Prasad yet to decide on his next move

MYSURU: Former Muda chairman K R Mohan Kumar said that the convention to be held at Nanjangud taulk on Tuesday has been planned by well-wishers and followers of former revenue minister V Srinivas Prasad and denied reports that the dalit leader will join BJP as claimed by its leaders during the function.
Speaking at a press meet on Sunday, Mohan Kumar, who is a staunch follower of Srinivas Prasad, said that various parties including BJP, BSP, JD(S), SP and others have approached Srinivas Prasad to join their parties.
"But Srinivas Prasad has not yet decided which party to join. Prasad will participate in the meetings with his followers and well-wishers in Nanjangud on November 8, in Hunsur on November 19 and in Mysuru where the date is yet to be finalized. He will collect to take their opinion and suggestions and based on that he will take a call on his next course of action," he said. He accused chief minister Siddaramaiah of insulting Srinivas Prasad by removing him from the post without any intimation. Mohan Kumar said that the recent political developments made Srinivas Prasad resign from the Congress and contest the Nanjangud byelection.
"Initially Prasad expressed not to contest the bypoll. But now it has become inevitable for him to contest. Only after the meetings with the followers, he will decide whether he will contest independently or from any political party," he said.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (scheduled caste unit) state president and former MLC N Manjunath announced that he too is an aspirant for the party ticket to contest Nanjangud bypoll which is vacant after resignation of Srinivas Prasad.
Manjunath said he is a staunch Congress worker. In 2013, he missed the ticket, as the party fielded senior leaders like HC Mahadevappa and V Srinivas Prasad from T Narasipura and Nanjangud.
"As I have worked in Nanjangud constituency from booth level for over a decade, I am confident of winning the bypoll. But if the party decides to field any senior Congressman for the bypoll, then I will extend my support. But I will definitely oppose if the party decides to field a novice," he said, indirectly expressing his disagreement on the reports over party leaders' decision to field Sunil Bose, son of PWD minister HC Mahadevappa for the by poll.