by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Bangalore, Jan 6: The Karnataka politics today took a curious twist with the JD (S) deciding to severe its ties with Congress, which step could lead to a political turmoil in the State.

Sources in Delhi told Star of Mysore on Friday morning that JD (S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, currently on a visit to Delhi, has made up his mind to topple the coalition Government in Karnataka.

It is said Gowda has taken this decision in the wake of Congress High Command's stand to leave coalition issue at the Panchayat level to the State Congress leadership. In fact, Deve Gowda was expecting the High Command to direct the State Congress leadership to have alliance with JD (S) in Panchayats.

The High Command's decision on Thursday to leave the coalition issue to the discretion of the State leadership has upset Deve Gowda who suspects that the State leadership may have alliance with ABPJD of Siddaramaiah.

Deve Gowda, who arrived in Delhi last night to have talks with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, is returning to Bangalore on Friday without meeting her. His meeting with Sonia Gandhi was scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The JD (S) supremo is calling the National Executive meeting of the party on Feb. 7 in Bangalore where he has decided to announce the end to JD(S)-Congress honeymoon.

In the meanwhile, Deve Gowda is holding a conference of recently elected JD(S) members of Zilla Panchayats and Taluk Panchayats at Bangalore Palace grounds on Jan. 23, which will signal the JD(S) preparation for the mid-term polls.

Sources close to Deve Gowda said that he is preparing for a massive tirade against Congress leaders who criticize him in future.