The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sought its support for the proposed Trinamool Congress’ no-confidence motion against the United Progressive Alliance government but it would take a call only after a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance.
“Ms. Banerjee spoke to [Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha] Sushma Swaraj on the telephone, but Sushma Swaraj has gone to Mumbai to attend the funeral of [Shiv Sena chief] Bal Thackeray. Once she returns, the NDA will take a decision on the issue,” senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi told journalists here.
“In the opinion of the BJP, this government has lost the mandate of the people,” he said. “That is why we will sit and discuss. If the numbers are not adequate and the motion fails, the government becomes safe for the next six months during which another such motion cannot be brought. Again if the motion is successful, we must immediately provide an alternative or elections will be called.”
Dr. Joshi pointed out that leaders including Mulayam Singh of the Samajwadi Party and Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party had said they were opposed to FDI but they might come to the aid of the UPA government. “We will decide our strategy when the NDA meets.”
The Trinamool’s decision was taken “in its own wisdom,” Dr. Joshi said. The party did not have the numbers even to ensure that the no-confidence motion was admitted. “They [the Trinamool] would depend on other parties’ support. So despite that if the Trinamool leadership decides to go ahead, it should be prepared for whatever the consequences are.”
