Madhu Bangarappa calls on Srinivas Prasad

JD(S) leader Madhu Bangarappa called on former Minister and veteran Dalit leader V. Srinivas Prasad, who is now with the BJP, at the latter’s residence in Mysuru on Tuesday. The meeting was described as a ‘courtesy call’ by Mr. Prasad’s aides and JD(S) leaders accompanying Mr. Bangarappa.

Mr. Bangarappa, who represents Sorab Assembly constituency in Shivamogga, knew Mr. Prasad closely as the latter, during his tenure as Revenue Minister, had helped the JD(S) leader in works related to his constituency. Also, Mr. Prasad was close to his father and late Chief Minister S. Bangarappa. The meeting set off speculation over Mr Prasad’s future course in politics.

While JD(S) leaders accompanying Mr. Bangarappa said no appeal was made to Mr. Prasad to join the JD(S), Mr. Prasad’s aides wondered how a leader of his stature would shift parties without meeting the senior-most leaders of the party.

Mr. Prasad’s aides also ruled out the possibility of the former Minister harbouring any dissatisfaction with the BJP. Mr. Prasad was present at programmes attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP’s national president Amit Shah in Mysuru.

However, sources said the two had a private discussion for ten minutes. Mr Bangarappa was accompanied by JD(S) candidates for Krishnaraja and Narasimhara – K.V. Mallesh and Abdul Azeez (Abdulla) – besides Mysuru city JD(S) president K.T. Cheluvegowda.