Mangalore: Former Chief Minister and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader S Bangarappa today (Oct 4, 2004) said, mid-term polls in Karnataka were imminent.

"Mid-term polls seem to be imminent as the coalition partners, both the Congress and the JDS (Janata Dal-Secular), do not share a common agenda," he told reporters in Mangalore today.

"They are deeply divided inside as a result of which the common minimum programme (CMP) is not being implemented," he alleged.

As there is no consistency between the coalition partners, mid-term elections are "inevitable", he said, adding, "A strong coalition Government is a mirage".

Criticising the economic policies of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government headed by Dr Manmohan Singh, Bangarappa said, these were not conducive to economic growth.

The inflation rate has increased from four per cent during Vajpayee's regime to eight per cent now, he said.

The UPA Government has also failed on other fronts, including social justice, internal security and foreign policies, he charged.

Charging the State Government with not providing financial assistance to local bodies, Bangarappa said such bodies should be strengthened.