JDS to decide on support to UPA before floor test

The Janata Dal (Secular), which has three MPs, appeared non-committal on supporting the Manmohan Singh Govt.

As the Left parties withdrew support to the UPA government, the Janata Dal (Secular), which has three MPs, appeared non-committal on supporting the Manmohan Singh government, saying that a decision would be taken a day before the floor test in the Lok Sabha.

JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said the trial of strength in the Lok Sabha would take place only in August.

“One day earlier to this floor test, my party will take its own decision,” he told reporters.

Story continues below this ad

The party has three MPs including estranged member M P Veerendra Kumar.

Veerendra Kumar, who won from Kerala as LDF candidate, has distanced himself from the Deve Gowda-led outfit.

Deve Gowda denied that the Congress and Left parties had approached him to seek support. Apparently peeved over Congress not approaching, he said, “I too have got some self-respect. I don’t want to draw the attention of any political party that Deve Gowda is still alive.”

Deve Gowda slammed a section of the national media for speculating that his party would back the UPA government.

Story continues below this ad

“Don’t presume things and go on highlighting that ‘X’ has been counted for ‘Y’. I am watching national TV. What I say today is that a decision will be taken by the party, one day earlier to the floor test.”

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India39 min ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog