Cong-JD(S) alliance mere speculation: Siddramaiah

Mysore, Oct 12: Former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddramiah today termed as mere speculation that the Congress was trying to align again with JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka.

Speaking to newsmen after participating in the inauguration of the Dasara festivities, atop of the Chamundi Hills, he said that Congress party preferred fresh elections in the state and that parliament would ratify the imposition of the President"s rule in the state.

He also clarified that the Congress had no role in 'imposing' of the President"s rule and the delegation led by KPCC President Mallikhajuna Kharge had submitted memorandum to the Governor Rameshwar Thakur to take necessary steps after the BJP had withdrawn support to the JD(S)-led coalition government.

"At this moment there is no alternative for all political parties except to seek a fresh mandate and I am confident that Congress party will emerge victorious," he opined.

Referring to the AICC President Sonia Gandhi's 'silence' on the formation of the next government, Mr Siddramiah said that being the party supremo there was no need for her to react to speculative statements made by the political leaders.

He said there was no sympathy wave in favour of BJP as claimed by that party.

UNI