2009 Poll Prospects And Alignments

[ramana]

Yeah dont bring in PVN into this fiasco. Its a Cmabridge genesis deal to make money and tie up a rising India.

meanwhile Telegraph reports

Centre rattles poll sabre
- PM pitch for nuke energy

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<b>The Congress is reading the future on the following lines:</b>

<b>Only a no-trust motion can topple the government.

The Left will not move such a motion against a “secular” coalition.

By the same logic, the Left may not back a motion moved by the Opposition.</b>

A debate on the deal may take place by end-August.

<b>The government will try to pass the unorganised sector and anti-communal violence bills and have a discussion on the minorities report.</b>

Breather after the session ends on September 14 or earlier if Parliament is adjourned sine die.

Preparations start for elections in Gujarat.

Winter session in November, but no fireworks likely.

Red light could flash again in the budget session.

During the day, the government rejected the Opposition’s demand for a joint parliamentary committee on the nuclear deal. It also sounded lukewarm to the idea of constituting an expert committee.

As of now, the only solution the Congress and the government are willing to consider is a debate in Parliament. If it fails to dispel the Left’s misgivings, the government is open to another round of talks.

<b>The Congress reminded the Left of the election option by fielding minister Kapil Sibal to make what sounded almost like a poll pitch. Addressing the media — the first such party briefing since the Left ultimatum — Sibal responded to allegations of a “sell-out” to the US.

“Can you imagine that the Prime Minister of India will play around with its sovereignty? The Congress refused to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The first nuclear bomb was detonated by the Congress in 1974. Bangladesh was liberated despite the US threat to send the Seventh Fleet,” he said.</b>
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