The Hindu Business Line : In the right?

Irrespective of whether the Manmohan Singh Government remains in office or not because of the nuclear deal with the US and the Left opposition to it, the Congress is going all out to make a strong case for itself. Colleagues on the political beat have been told by senior members of the Government that “for once, we have the support of the people,” quite an admission in itself by the leading political party.

The party has also decided to field a handful of chosen Ministers who plan to write newspaper articles to make the case that the nuclear deal is in India’s interest. The articulate among the Council of Ministers could also be fielded to participate in television debates. “We’ll be making our point, but won’t embarrass our allies,” is the line that the Congress is taking, keeping in mind that elections could well throw up a Lok Sabha similar to the present one and Left support might be needed again. What is, however, bothering the political class is on what grounds could the Left support the Congress in the next Parliament. Will the logic of keeping out “communal forces” work another time round is what they are wondering.

OUR DELHI BUREAU