The CPI(M) has drawn up plans to raise the question of Reliance’s involvement in the oil-for-food programme in Parliament. However, with the Congress suspending Natwar Singh, the party is now quietly distancing itself from the former foreign minister, no longer supporting him as avowedly as it had done in the wake of the Volcker report.

On Wednesday, the CPI(M) Politburo called for a ‘‘special investigation’’ into the oil transactions and surcharges paid by the ‘‘biggest Indian beneficiary—Reliance company’’ and said the government should submit a report on its involvement.

But on Natwar Singh, beyond saying that the Pathak Authority report had not established any monetary benefits to him, the CPI(M) left the issue to the Congress on the ground that it was an internal matter of the party as he had used his influence as a Congressman.

‘‘We don’t want to interfere in their affairs, just like we don’t want them to interfere in ours,’’ said CPI(M) MP Sitaram Yechury.

The party’s stand is in contrast with its earlier support to Singh in the wake of the Volcker report; it had then said he was being victimised for opposing the sanctions against Iraq.

Left leaders had also been working in close cooperation with Singh for building an all-party alliance against the India-US nuclear deal.

This distancing stems from the perception that Singh was being wooed by the Samajwadi Party to meet political ends, even though under the garb of foreign policy issues. With UP elections due next year, the SP has to consolidate its position among Jats and Muslims. With the question mark on Ajit Singh’s support, the party needs an alternative face. Singh could fit the Bill, especially on his anti-imperialist stance.

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