Bangalore: The disciplinary action proposed against those Janata Dal (Secular) legislators who violated the party line and forged an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a coalition Government in the State has been put off by at least a fortnight. The national Executive Committee of the Janata Dal (S) will meet on February 20 and take stock of the developments.

In a dilemma

Sources in the Janata Dal (S) told The Hindu here on Saturday that the party leadership is in a dilemma and is finding it difficult to grapple with the situation. Of a total of 51 party MLAs in the State, 39 have backed the alliance with the BJP and nine others have extended support to the rebel group. There are only three MLAs who have said they will not be associated with a government run in alliance with the BJP. In case the party leadership takes serious note of the matter and initiates disciplinary action, then the party in Karnataka will be left with only its office-bearers and the three legislators.

Incidentally, some of the district unit presidents are also legislators who have expressed support to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Janata Dal (S) leader H.D. Deve Gowda, who returned from New Delhi on Saturday night, said he had discussed the matter with the party's national leaders for two days and could not arrive at a clear-cut decision owing to the divergent views expressed by them. While all of them agree that initiating disciplinary action is required to instil confidence among party activists, the general view is that it will be difficult to take action now since there is the likelihood of the party itself disintegrating and losing its base.

Nomination of president

Sources in the Janata Dal (S) said the party will also have to nominate a new president for the State unit since the incumbent, N. Thippanna, has joined the rebel group. It is also being mentioned that Mr. Thippanna is likely to find a place in the H.D. Kumaraswamy Ministry and is tipped to be the Law Minister. The party is, however, expected to refrain from filling the post of Working President, which is still held by the Chief Minister.

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