Had to swallow bitterness: Karnataka Cong leader on JD(S) alliance; updates

Several regional parties hailed Congress' role in keeping out BJP in Karnataka by forming an alliance with the JD(S) and urged non-BJP forces to align to defeat the BJP

Senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar on Monday said he had to swallow bitterness that he had with Janata Dal (Secular) in order to give Karnataka a secular government. He said it was party president Rahul Gandhi's decision that there should be a secular government in the state.

He, however, refused to comment on the alliance's chances of completing the full term, saying the party had various issues and options before it. 

Some media reports have indicated resentment within the Congress over its alliance with the JD(S). The reports, however, have been trashed by JD(S) leader and CM-designate H D