"I will launch a regional party Dec 10. The same day I will quit BJP and also resign as assembly member," he told reporters here after 'Audhya pooja' at his office, which was formerly the BJP office.

The former chief minister said preparations for the launch of the new party will formally start Wednesday as it is 'Vijayadashami' day.u00a0He said the the new party would be launched in the presence of "lakhs of supporters at a public meeting in Haveri, about 350 km north of Bangalore.