Tuesday, February 21 2006 16:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Unfazed by the decision of the JDS National Executive to suspend him and 39 legislators supporting him, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today (Feb 21,2006) asserted that he continued to be the leader of the JDS Legislature Party (JDSLP).

"The Speaker of the state Assembly Krishna has already recognised me as the leader of the JDSLP", was his reaction to reporters on the JDS National Executive decision yesterday (Feb 20,2006) ratifying the suspension of Kumaraswamy and 39 MLAs for forming a government with BJP support and referring their action to the disciplinary action committee.

Refusing to be drawn into a discussion over party affairs, he said all issues would be sorted out in the party forum.

The Chief Minister said he would soon undertake the second expansion of his ministry to set at rest the discontent brewing in JDS and BJP camps after the February 17 ministry expansion that saw the induction of 20 ministers.

"Discontent is a common feature in any political party on such matters", Kumaraswamy said.

The BJP has been facing much heat,with several ministerial aspirants said to be unhappy with the party leadership for ignoring seniority and preferring newcomers.

Kumaraswamy said he would leave for New Delhi today to meet several Union ministers, including Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav tomorrow to press for pending projects clearance.

On February 23, he would meet Karnataka MPs to drum up their support for the state's pending projects, he said.

The new Government would present its budget during the second and third week of March, he said.