Still unhappy over the Centre's stand on the Ayodhya issue, BJP's allies on Thursday asked the Government to follow the "coalition dharma". A day after they described as "highly objectionable" the Government stand on favouring puja, major allies including TDP, Trinamool Congress, Samata Party and JD (U) met and reiterated their resentment, sources said.
Criticising the NDA Government for not consulting the allies on the issue, they felt Government should follow the "coalition dharma" of taking all parties into confidence on such critical matters.
They were of the view that keeping in mind the "sensitivity" of the situation in the wake of Gujarat violence and impending threat by VHP to carry out puja, seeking permission to perform puja was "objectionable" and the issue should have been discussed with the allies.
However, the allies feel tomorrow would be the litmus test for the Vajpayee Government and said all steps should taken to ensure peace, particularly since it was the responsibility of the Centre in the absence of a popular Government in Uttar Pradesh.
Sources said the JD (U) has demanded action against the Attorney General for "reflecting views that are not of the NDA government".
Among those present at the meeting were D P Yadav (JD-U), Sudip Bandopadhyaya (Trinamool Congress), Prabhunath Singh (JD-U) and K Yerrannaidu (TDP). Two other allies, DMK and National Conference, who were not present at the meeting, are understood to have expressed solidarity with the allies. Bureau Report