With the Left withdrawing support to the government, several independent parliamentarians and single-MP parties have favoured the Indo-US nuclear deal and may back the Manmohan Singh government in a possible trust vote in the Lok Sabha.
Not enough time to pass nuclear deal in US
Though critical of the functioning of Congress party at the regional levels, the parliamentarians feel that the nuke deal is in the country's interest.
"I have not taken any decision so far to support the government in event of a vote of confidence. I support the nuclear deal as I believe that it is in the national interest. But supporting the government is a different issue," independent MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang told PTI over the phone from Leh.
Special: Why the Left, UPA broke up
Chhewang said though he had supported the Manmohan Singh government in the past, people of Ladakh were not happy over the 'discriminatory attitude' of the outgoing Congress-led Jammu and Kashmir government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad.
"I have to take my people's consent before taking any decision," he said.
Fight against notorious N-deal will go on: Left
Independent MP from Assam's Bodo-dominated Kokrajhar constituency S K Bwiswmuthiary said the withdrawal of support by the Left parties to the Central government was 'unfortunate' and he wanted the UPA government to last its full term.
"But I have not taken any decision on supporting the government in case of a trial of strength as there is still enough time," he said.
Bwiswmuthiary said though he supported the nuclear deal, he was unhappy with the performance of Assam's Congress government.
Manipur's Independent MP Mani Charenamai said it was too early to say whom he would support in case of a vote of confidence.
"I am observing the situation. I think the deal is in the interest of the nation as the country is facing energy crisis," he told PTI over phone from Imphal.
The nuclear deal's essence is politics
Charenamai said bringing down the government on one or two issue was not good as many programmes of the government was yet to be implemented fully.
Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha member Vanlalzawma said he would abide by whatever his party Mizo National Front, which rules the north-eastern state, decides on vote of confidence.
He said earlier MNF was with the NDA but now the party was unattached with any of the political combination at the Centre.
'PM's reputation is in some jeopardy'
"Personally, I feel the deal is good for the country as it will solve power problem in India. But I will abide by my party decision," he said adding, "the MNF will take its decision considering all relevant issues, including assembly election in the state which is likely to be held in November."
Nagaland's ruling Naga People's Front's lone MP Wangyuh Konyak said his party was yet to take a decision on confidence vote.
'They can't hoodwink the Left at every stage'
"We are still in a dilemma. I feel the deal is not acceptable in the present form. We will take a decision on our support on Saturday," he told PTI over phone from Dimapur.
Konyak said though NPF runs a coalition government in Nagaland with a few political parties, including BJP, it was a 'local arrangement'.
"We are neither with the NDA nor with UPA. We are independent in New Delhi," he said.
© 2024 Rediff.com -