Monday, January 9 2006 20:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The Congress decision to empower Karnataka unit to decide on alliance in some Panchayats came in for a sharp attack from Janata Dal (Secular) today (Jan 9, 2006) which described its coalition partner's stand as "illogical and playing politics of convenience."

"What is the need for Congress to scout for alliance with other parties when it can have it with JDS," Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash hit back at Congress at a press conference here.

"The political compulsions that forced Congress and JDS to form a coalition Government to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power have not altered even today. Such being the case, the Congress is indulging in politics of convenience to embarrass JDS," Prakash who is also the JDS legislature party leader, charged.

The Congress is in a state of confusion over forging alliance in Panchayats which have faced fractured verdict and disapproved its attempt to tie up with its rival faction, AIPJD led by Siddaramaiah remarking that such an alliance was not only "illogical but also unholy," he said.

Expressing optimism that the Congress would reverse its decision, Prakash said, "As of now there was no threat to the coalition Government led by Chief Minister N Dharam Singh.

He dared the Congress to spell out whether it was not continuing the coalition ties with JDS so that his party can take a decision.

"The developments might not force a snap poll on the people of the state," he said, but hastened to add, "If it was forced by Congress, JDS should not be blamed."