Karnataka Cong not in favour of coalition government

Congress Working Committee member Dr G Parameshwara today categorically ruled out his party forming another coalition government in Karnataka with the JDS.

"Congress is firmly against striking coalition pact with the JDS again and favours facing mid-term polls to the state assembly," the former minister said here.

Parameshwara said during his recent meeting with AICC President Sonia Gandhi, he explained to her the prevailing political situation and the war of words between the JDS-BJP following the collapse of the combine's coalition ministry.

The Congress President is also keen on facing elections rather than striking a coalition agreement with JDS, he said.

Parameshwara said he has suggested to Gandhi that it was advisable to continue President's rule in the state for six months and make preparations for the polls.

Meanwhile, Congress sources said the party high command was still in the process of eliciting views on the Karnataka scene and a final decision might be delayed till the party resolves the Indo-US nuclear deal impasse with Left Parties.

"Karnataka is on the last agenda of the party now," the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The sources also indicated that the possibility of Congress joining hands with the JDS to form the government cannot be ruled out, in the event of the JDS chief H D Deve Gowda convincing Sonia Gandhi.