M A I N   N E W S

JD(S), Shiv Sena not to support govt

New Delhi, July 19
The Janata Dal (S) was tonight understood to have decided to vote against the UPA government in the trust vote to be held on Tuesday. Party chief and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda is believed to have conveyed this to the Prime Minister when he met him here this evening. Sources said Gowda also conveyed this to UNPA and Left parties leaders who met him during the day.

The Shiv Sena, having 12 members, also tonight decided to vote against the UPA government, setting at rest speculation to the contrary. The party will tomorrow issue a whip to its MPs to vote against the government.

Meanwhile, in a signal that his party may go with the UPA government, JMM chief Shibu Soren also met the Prime Minister at his residence tonight. JMM has not yet made public its decision on which way it's five MPs will vote, but three of them have been saying the party should support the confidence motion. — PTI

Cong: Wait for surprises

New Delhi, July 19
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is hosting a dinner on Sunday ahead of the trust vote amid declaration by Congress that there will be “surprises” in its favour from all parties, excluding the Left.

Congress leaders appeared much relieved on Saturday amid claims that the government has comfortable majority and would receive support from “unexpected quarters”.

“We expect support from unexpected quarters from outside our traditional support base. We have built a cushion of surprises. There will be support from all parties excluding the Left,” AICC general secretary and minister of state in PMO Prithviraj Chavan said.

The National Conference and constituents of the UPA and its supporting parties like Samajwadi Party as also CLP leaders, PCC chiefs, AICC office-bearers are among the 500-odd guest list for the dinner. Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have also been invited.