Bangalore: BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Karnataka unit President Anantkumar today (Sep 30, 2004) urged the Left parties either to demand change in Sonia Gandhi's leadership as UPA (United Progressive Alliance) chairperson or withdraw support to the Government as the alliance was being led by a "foreigner".

Complimenting the communists for their stiff Opposition to the inclusion of "foreign experts" on the Planning Commission panel, Kumar demanded at a press conference in Bangalore that the same logic should be extended to the UPA leadership.

"Left parties have accepted Sonia's leadership because their ideologies originate from foreign soil," he quipped.

Referring to the poll clash between the coalition Government partners, Congress and JDS (Janata Dal Secular) in Karnataka in the October 13 by-election to Bidar Lok Sabha constituency, Kumar claimed that the countdown of the Government has begun with this.

The differences that existed between Congress and JDS would come to sharp focus after the election and the Government might collapse later, he said.

The verdict of the Bidar by-election would have impact on the Dharam Singh-led coalition Government in Karnataka.

Likewise, Uma Bharti led Tiranga Yatra would have an impact on Maharashtra Assembly poll, Kumar, who was the chief convenor of the "yatra", said.

Claiming that the Tiranga Yatra was a "success", he wanted a national debate on whether political parties could use flag, which had similarity to national flag, apparently referring to the Congress party flag.