Left junks no-trust motion but Opposition in talks to close ranks on voting rule

According to sources, both the Left and NDA feel their best strategy is to force a floor-test on the FDI issue, while a no-trust vote could push parties like the SP into the UPA fold. They are of the view that more homework must be done before a drastic step such as a no-confidence motion, and that it be pushed only when the overall political scene indicated its success. If tabled at a premature stage, it could only end up giving the government a lease of life for the next six months, they feel.

Though senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi claimed on Sunday that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had called up Sushma and sought the BJP's support for her no-confidence motion, there was no confirmation forthcoming of the same on Monday either. Trinamool general secretary Mukul Roy has denied such a call.

Still the BJP is in no hurry to dismiss the Trinamool, a potential future ally, in a hurry. "We will take a decision on the issue tomorrow," party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said on Monday. NDA floor leaders were to meet later in the evening to work out a strategy for the session.

"A no-confidence motion will only help the government cover up all the wrong measures it has taken and claim parliamentary mandate, as it has the numbers to defeat such a motion," Karat told reporters. "I hope the Opposition will come to an understanding."

Yechury also said the government could take a win in the no-trust move as an endorsement of its "anti-people" policies. A motion entailing voting to oppose FDI in multi-brand retail would be "a much better strategy to defeat the government's move", he said, adding that parties like the SP would support such a motion but not a no-confidence vote.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Fourth flag meeting fails, China refuses to budge

Sonia Gandhi consults A K Antony on Pawan Bansal issue

Coalgate probe: No accused or suspect let off, says CBI chief Ranjit Sinha

Sajjan Kumar acquittal: Sikh protesters march towards PM's residence