Ranchi: A decision on Congress ultimatum against the Madhu Koda-led UPA government in Jharkhand was being delayed due to the "ongoing talks" with RJD and JMM, Union Minister and AICC leader Ajay Maken said today.

"We have taken a principled stand against increasing corruption and underdevelopment in the state. We have not shifted from our stand at all," Maken told reporters.

Asked whether the Congress unilaterally decided on taking an adverse decision against the 18-month old Koda government, Maken said, "We are trying to convince the stand to the allies."

He, however, declined to make the Independent MLAs who are ministers in Koda s cabinet a part of the discussion. "They are not our partners," Maken said.

Congress had on November 15 issued a 19-point charter of demands to Koda with a warning that it would review support on January 15 if their demands were not fulfilled.

After the expiry of the deadline, Maken said Congress was dissatisfied with the government's performance and that it would take a decision on its support to the government after Simaria Assembly bypoll whose result was out on February seven.

"We will take a decision soon," Maken said when asked how much more time the party would take to come out with a decision on the fate of the ruling UPA coalition.

Source : PTI