JD(S) rebel leader M P Prakash on Friday categorically said he will not accept the ‘peace invitation’ extended by former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

“I have come too far to make peace with Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. We have formed a group of like-minded persons, and are exploring various possibilities for our future,” he told reporters in Bangalore.

Over 16 former legislators of the JD(S) have rebelled against Gowda’s ‘autocratic style of functioning.’ All these leaders even stayed away from the party’s state executive committee meeting on Thursday. Though the rebel leaders have not disclosed their future course of action, Prakash made it clear that there is no plan to float a new party.

According to sources, senior leaders of rebel camp held a meeting on Friday and discussed various options before them. “Many of them favoured joining the JD(U),” sources added.

In fact, Prakash is said to be in touch with JD(U) national leader Sharad Yadav and State party leaders. Plans are on the cards to join the JD(U) and also have a pre-poll alliance with the BJP.

By doing so, sources said, the rebel leaders want to reap the benefit of the BJP’s sympathy wave in the upcoming elections.

Prakash is likely to meet State JD(U) President B Somashekar on Saturday and hold talks in this regard.

Divided opinion

But there is no unanimous opinion among the rebel leaders. Leaders are speaking as per the feedback they have got from their constituencies.

There are some who want to join the BJP, a few want to go with the BSP and some others with the Congress. “If we fail to take a unanimous decision by next month, Prakash may ask these leaders to find their own way and join any party they want,” one of the senior leaders said.

Meanwhile, JD(S) spokesperson Y S V Datta said that the party will not initiate action against leaders, who stayed away from the state executive meeting.