The much publicised Janata Dal Legislature Party (JDLP) meeting was a formality and a smooth affair as it did not discuss the issue or sought a trial of strength of supporters of Chief Minister J H Patel and dissident leader H D Deve Gowda.

In the meeting on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha, the party, in a two paragraph resolution entrusted the power to solve the crisis to its national president Sharad Yadav after consulting both the national and state leaders.

Yadav has not fixed a time limit to resolve the issue. ``I will do it when I am free,'' he told newsmen after the JDLP meeting. He refused to answer whether the leadership issue has been resolved till the general elections an year away.

But there was drama behind this seemingly tame affair. Patel loyalists provided the signature of as many as 76 legislators in support of Patel as proof of their strength, a copy of whichwas sent to Gowda's son Kumaraswamy.

The message was clear. The loyalists were ready for a show of strength either through a secret ballot or even an open head count in the meeting as the dissidents number reduced to 26.

As many as seven legislators who were identified with Gowda camp today switched over to Patel camp.

But Yadav, on the advice of senior leaders from Delhi, did not agree for a showdown or trial of strength or to discuss the leadership issue.

Yadav said there was no crisis in the party and even if there is one he would resolve it. Both the dissidents and loyalists were keen on strengthening the party which took its birth in the state. More than indulging in conflicts, the leaders were interested in maintaining unity of the party.

The meeting was to have started in the morning but postponed till afternoon as the leaders were engaged in last minute efforts to avert a showdown between the two groups. Hectic activities were seen in both the camps since last night soon after Yadav arrivedin the city.