However, the BJP took comfort from the contact established with AIADMK chief Jayalalitha by allies George Fernandes (Samata Party) and S S Barnala (Akali Dal). Party leaders were upbeat at this `breakthrough' on the eve of the crucial AIADMK Front meeting in Chennai tomorrow. Despite frantic efforts, the AIADMK general secretary has cut herself off from the BJP top brass since June 27.

With Jayalalitha on the warpath, the Opposition parties led by the RLM have given up plans to move a no-confidence motion against the Government. ``We prefer to let Jayalalitha bring the Government down,'' said a United Front leader. He feels that Jayalalitha has raised the pitch so high that she cannot back out now and withdrawal of support is imminent.

However, cracks in the AIADMK Front wereobvious today with Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko attending the Parliamentary party meeting, despite a ban by the Front. At the meeting, BJP leaders tried to allay MPs' fears by saying that the ``misunderstanding'' with Jayalalitha would be sorted out soon. Addressing the MPs, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said the Government was ready to face any onslaught from the Opposition and asked MPs to be present throughout the session since crucial votes would be taken on budgetary demands for grants and the Finance Bill.