Surprised Cong gives guarded response to DMK's move

The DMK''s action of withdrawing ministers does not appear to pose immediate threat to the Congress-led coalition in case of a trial of strength. The ruling coalition has the backing of 310 MPs, including the outside support being provided by parties like SP, BSP and RJD.

Shortly after the announcement of the party stand, DMK parliamentary party leader T R Baalu said the party would "definitely" have discussions with the Congress if it agrees to the terms and conditions set by Karunanidhi.

In Delhi, the Congress declined to respond to DMK''s accusations and merely maintained that negotiations were still on and an agreement on seat-sharing could be reached.

Maintaining that Congress does not want DMK to continue in the government, Karunanidhi said the party''s attitude surprises the DMK because it has been instrumental in creating some problems ahead of the elections.

Looking at the efforts taken for the alliance and the problems being created, the DMK supremo felt that he was compelled to wonder whether the Congress was using these as an effort to make the DMK get out of the alliance instead of trying to arrive at an amicable settlement.

The resolution adopted at the meeting specifically referred to the Congress demand of 60 seats over 48 it contested in the earlier elections and DMK''s acceptance of it and its subsequent stand that it needs 63 constituencies of its choice.

"The DMK feels that the Congress may be deliberately doing this to show clearly that they were not in favour of us continuing in the government.

"In these circumstances, the DMK considered the situation and decides that it will relieve itself from the government and support it on the basis of issues," the resolution said.