Mangalore Dec 17: In a significant development, JD(S) dissident leader M.P. Prakash today met the Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and M.V. Rajashekharan in Mangalore this morning and discussed plans to join Congress.

Prakash flew in Mangalore on the invitation of the two Central leaders and met them at the Airport. Oscar and Rajashekharan were in Mangalore in connection with All India Kannada Literary Conference, underway at Udupi.

According to sources, the two leaders conveyed him the High Command's consent for his entry into Congress.

It is said the Congress has promised a post for Prakash in the party. As Prakash is not contesting elections, party ticket will be given to his son.

The Congress has also clarified that only four of the 12 former JD(S) legislators, who are in his camp, would be given party tickets for elections.

Prakash is likely to meet AICC(I) observer Prithviraj Chauhan in Bangalore today.

In the meanwhile MLC Puttabasappa and other five former JD(S) MLAs, who were in the camp of Prakash, have decided to return to JD(S) as they are not sure of getting tickets.

Star of Mysore