Reacting sharply to the CPM Politburo’s decision, the Congress today slammed Karat and said the Left had no faith in parliamentary democracy. “If Karat had any faith in Parliamentary democracy, he would not have done it. What wrong has the Speaker done? Is conducting the House during Trust Vote an offence against the Constitution or the party? Mr Chatterjee enjoys the highest reputation as Speaker,” AICC media cell chairperson Veerappa Moily said.

“There is some fight between Stalinists and moderates in the CPM. The other day, Prime Ministership was denied to Jyoti Basu. Now there is this assault on the Speaker. With this the personality of the Speaker has gone up, while that of Prakash has gone down,” Moily said.