(Online Desk)

Former minister Varthur R Prakash on Saturday said that he would float a new political party on 19 December. Prakash is currently an independent Member of Legislative Assembly from the Kolar segment.

Speaking to Express, Prakash said that the decision to start a new party was reached on Friday. The launch will take place in Kudalasangama in Bijapur in a grand fashion, he said. Around 3 lakh people are expected to attend the first convention from across Karnataka, he said.

Speaking of the reason behind choosing Bijapur, Prakash said that it was the birthplace of poet Basavanna.

“The party will be on the lines of AHINDA principles and will be named ‘Namma Congress’,” Prakash said. The MLA is considered a strong leader of the Kuruba community and also a close confidant of chief minister Siddaramaiah. He said that there was no confusion over his contesting the upcoming assembly elections and that he would fight the elections from Kolar.

On fielding of candidates from other seats, Prakash said that the decision would be taken after the convention. “Several prominent leaders have come forward to join the party,” he said.

The decision to float the party on December 19 is because it is the leader’s birthday, sources said.