20 Jul 2008
NEW DELHI: All three JD(S) MPs will oppose the trust vote to be sought by the UPA government in Lok Sabha on July 22, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda announced after meeting BSP chief Mayawati.
Ending days of speculation, Deve Gowda informed the media about his party's decision to oppose the UPA just one day ahead of the confidence vote.

Speaking after the meeting BSP chief Mayawati said, "I had approached the JD(S) leader asking for his support to oust the UPA and I want to thank him for not disappointing me."

Gowda said that he will meet Mayawati again along with Left and UNPA leaders on July 23 to discuss the fallout of the trust vote.

"All issues facing the country - including price rise, unemployment - will be discussed when we meet again on July 23."

The announcement assumes significance in the wake of efforts by the UNPA and allied parties to cobble up a third political force that could form an alternative government in case the UPA dispensation collapses.

The third front had got a further shot in the arm on Sunday morning with Ajit Singh's RLD also joining ranks with it, dumping the UPA.

Mayawati appears to be emerging as the third front's Prime Ministerial face with several leaders of the UNPA suggesting that it could be possible.

Earlier, leaders of UNPA, Left parties and BSP had met to discuss their common strategy with regard to the confidence motion and other related issues.
courtesy