Chennai: Adopting a wait and watch policy, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) tonight (May 15, 2004) decided against joining the Sonia Gandhi-led Congress coalition Ministry at the Centre for the moment, but authorised its president M Karunanidhi to take a decision "depending on the circumstances".

DMK president M Karunanidhi told reporters after a meeting of the DMK executive that the party would watch the approach of Sonia Gandhi Government for a "reasonable time" before taking a decision on joining the Ministry.

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...
Political Parties in India

The executive had authorised him to take a decision on the issue "depending on the circumstances", he said. However, he declined to reveal the reasons for the decision despite repeated questions from the media.

The stability of the Ministry would not be affected by DMK's decision, as its support to the Sonia Gandhi Government would be "firm", he said, pointing out that DMK was the party to give a call to the people to make her Prime Minister of the country.

Karunanidhi said he would leave for New Delhi tomorrow, where he would meet Sonia Gandhi and other leaders.