This is the most categorical challenge thrown by the BJP to AIADMK which is likely to trigger off a chain of political developments at a rapid pace.

Charging Jayalalitha of having struck a bargain with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, party spokesman K L Sharma told journalists that the party had political equations to survive the proposed no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition.

``AIADMK had been given a mandate to support the BJP-led Government. Instead of throwing the party out, we want it to take the onus of subverting people's mandate,'' Sharma said.

Asked to explain the arithmetic behind his confidence to survive the no-trust motion, Sharma said ``every party is facing turmoil from within itself and everyone realises that only the Vajpayee Government can lastthe full five-year term''.

Sharma also hinted at the possibility of emergence of new political equations in Tamil Nadu (DMK supporting the Centre) as well as in other states, in case AIADMK withdrew support.

As if on cue, party general secretary M Venkaiah Naidu said in Chennai that the BJP was ready to take support from anyone and everyone ``interested in stability, good governance and an honest Prime Minister.''

``We welcome a no-confidence motion because it will give us another chance to prove our majority in the Lok Sabha besides giving us an opportunity to list our achievements before the public,'' Sharma said.

The BJP leader suspected a deal having been struck between Sonia and Jaya during the latter's Delhi visit which explains the sudden change in her attitude after Subramanian Swamy's tea party. ``Congress has apparently promised her something which BJP could not'', he said. Asked what could the bargain be, Sharma said, ``it could be sacking the DMK Government in Tamil Nadu and withdrawal ofall corruption cases pending against her''.

The party strongly rebutted Jayalalitha's charges against Home Minister L K Advani about ignoring information on LTTE activities in Tamil Nadu. ``BJP's record on fighting terrorists and anti-nationals is well-known. The real reason for Jaya being upset is her unfulfilled demand about sacking of the DMK Government'' said Sharma. In any event, the BJP-led Government did not need lessons in maintaining internal security or upholding national interests.

Asked why the resignation letters of AIADMK ministers had not yet been forwarded to the President, he said it was for the Prime Minister to decide when to send them.