He said the Cabinet wanted the elections to be postponed in order to bring in structural changes to the existing Panchayat Raj Act. The Government also proposed to merge some of the nonviable villages into a comprehensive unit and sent a proposed ordinance to the Governor for clearance.

But he was not sure it would be approved by the Governor. ``There are three options: Someone might approach the court questioning theGovernment's intention, the Governor himself might return the proposal, or the court might order for the conduct of the elections,'' he said.

On the threat by the Central Government to stop the central funds in the event of postponement of panchayat elections, Prakash said this was not possible. Even states like Bihar, Goa, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu were getting the funds despite pending panchayat elections, he pointed out.Prakash clarified that his resignation letter, sent in a huff to the Chief Minister, had not yet been accepted. He said he was back in his office only because he had been prevailed upon by senior leaders of the party not to press for acceptance of the resignation.

``I have succumbed to the pressure of senior leaders of the party accepting the majority decision of the Cabinet, now I have to think how long I would continue to accept such pressure in future,'' he added.

He said the decision to postpone gram panchayat elections was a political one, but did not elaborate.

Oppositiongroups have said the ruling Janata Dal postponed the elections because it was unsure of winning.

Congress leaders have submitted a memorandum to the Governor, urging him not to approve the ordinance sent to him by the Government.