The decision to launch the agitation was taken at a meeting of the NDA chaired by Leader of the Opposition L K Advani. Leaders of Akali Dal, Biju Janata Dal and Shiv Sena attended the meeting. The call for the strike comes at a time when assembly elections are to be held in Karnataka next month.

"Essential services will be exempted from the strike call," BJP Parliamentary party spokesman V K Malhotra said, adding that details were being worked out on who should participate in the agitation.

Conspicuous by his absence at the NDA meet was Sharad Yadav, president of the Janata Dal-United whose relations with the BJP have soured after differences cropped up over seat sharing in poll-bound Karnataka.

However, Malhotra sought to downplay Yadav's absence claiming that the JD-U leader had sent his suggestions and an assurance that his party will support any decision taken by the alliance leaders.