CHENNAI: The alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United) for the May 8 Assembly elections suffered a jolt, with JD (U) president George Fernandes announcing on Tuesday that his party would go it alone, fielding its candidates in 60 constituencies.

Within 24 hours after the presidents of the State units of the parties signing a seat-sharing accord, Mr. Fernandes made it clear at a press conference here that the decision was made without his knowledge.

State BJP president C.P. Radhakrishnan announced on Monday that as per the agreement, the JD (U) would contest from Kurinjipadi, Sankagiri, Vedasandur, Valparai and Manamadurai.

However, Mr.Fernandes said that JD(U) had not held seat-sharing talks with any party so far. The constituencies to be contested by the party would be identified in the course of this week. Asked whether he would hold the BJP-JD(U) agreement null and void, he said: "I am reaching Delhi tonight. I will find out who has done all this."

The decision to fight the elections independently was taken based on the wish of the party activists, he said.

Denying that there was any contradiction in the party's ties with the BJP at the national level and its strategy for Tamil Nadu, he said the National Democratic Alliance remained at the Centre.

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