JD(S) denies any alliance with BJP for Lok Sabha polls

New Delhi, Oct 29: The Janata Dal (Secular) today disputed the BJP's claim that it would fight next Lok Sabha elections together with the BJP and said extending its support to B S Yeddyurappa-led coalition in Karnataka was solely intended to save itself from being devoured by the Congress party.

JD(S) Secretary General K Danish Ali, when asked about the BJP's claims that the JD(S) would contest the next Lok Sabha elections together, he said support to the BJP-led coalition in Karnataka was 'unconditional' and it could not be extended for future elections.

The JD(S) is committed to maintain 'equi-distance' between the BJP and the Congress since 1999. Mr Ali said when the JD(S) was running coalition in the state, it contested all the local body elections and byelections to Assembly and Lok Sabha on its own and it will be the norm for the future also.

About the JD(S) 'U-turn' in backing the BJP after denying transfer-of-power early this month, he said it was solely a 'survival act' and coalition in the state was a necessity because of a fractured verdict.

The Congress wanted to 'split, destroy and devour' JD(S) by luring the party MLAs and the party to reverse its decision to survive. ''Otherwise how can we serve the cause of minorities, poor and the oppressed,'' Mr Ali told two UNI