Bangalore: Janata Dal (Secular) headed by former prime minister H D Devegowda is facing a severe political crisis ahead of the mid-term elections to the state assembly in Karnataka in the wake of rebellion by a section of its partymen after the party ensured collapse of short-lived BJP government.

JDS's abrupt decision to vote out the B S Yeddyurappa government within a week of its assuming office after extending unconditional support has come under attack from several of its leaders including former legislators.

JDS men, who were forced to accept the "whip to vote against B S Yeddyurappa government" on November 19, as defying it would have attracted legal action under the provisions of Anti-Defection Laws, are now up in arms against Gowda and his son former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy for their "unilateral" decisions.

Many JDS men were in favour of continuing support to BJP government, honouring the party's promise of extending unconditional support, fearing any action in reneging on the assurance would evoke public outrage.

However, Gowda, promising that he would strike another deal with Congress and ensure a government in the state, succeeded in bringing down Yeddyurappa's government, but his second honeymoon with Congress failed to fructify, triggerring rebellion in JDS.

In the wake of Congress shutting its doors on JDS, Gowda was left with no option other than to give a call to his reluctant men to prepare for elections.

Source : PTI