Though there is no unanimity on the party's support to Congress, no final decision has been taken yet, he said. Patel, who returned to Bangalore from Delhi, said that the confabulations continued on Thursday and no progress was in sight regarding Congress staking claim to form a minority government.

``I have a feeling that the situation is pointing towards mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha. Perhaps that is the best solution. Otherwise, irrespective of the type of government likely to emerge, the contradictions will continue. Even the supporters of Congress are not keen on supporting a minority government from outside, without participation,'' he said.

As of now, the party's stand of maintaining equi-distance from both BJP and Congresswould continue. The party had voted against the BJP and supporting Congress, which is a major Opposition party here, is ridiculous to say the least, he said.

He had made this clear at the JD Parliamentary Affairs Committee and many agreed with his opinion. Even party president Sharad Yadav wrote to the President stating that the party's stand would be made known only after the composition of the government was made clear, Patel said. Referring to Deve Gowda's eagerness to support Congress, he said it was Gowda's personal opinion. If the party voted against the BJP, it was because a whip was issued.