Prakash, who has earned the sobriquet of "Mr cultured politician" and a respected leader from the dominant lingayat community, shocked every one in political circles, raising a banner of revolt against the "dictatorial attitude" of JDS chief and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda and walked out of that party along with his supporters.

Probably not only Devegowda, even his political adversaries would not have dreamt that the soft-spoken Prakash, would dare to revolt.

Seizing this opportunity and to get Prakash, an orator and a seasoned parliamentarian to their side, BJP, Congress and BSP made a bee-line to the leader's residence and it was the Congress which clinched the day.

Prakash's exit from JDS along with a dozen legislators dealt a severe blow to Gowda's party, particularly in North-Karnataka region.

For 66-year-old Prakash, who has carved a name for himself in cultural field, than in politics now has put his political charisma to test from Davanagere, a neighbouring district of Bellary, his home turf hitherto.