The Congress’ political managers were working overtime to defuse the crisis that erupted after the DMK on Tuesday decided to withdraw support to the United Progressive Alliance-led coalition over the Sri lanka Tamils issue.

Confident the crisis would soon be resolved, a senior Congress functionary said talks were on with the DMK for a resolution in Parliament on the Tamils issue. “There are no two opinions on the issue of the plight of Tamils,” the leader said. The difference was only on the procedures of a resolution.

The DMK wants the government to introduce stronger language into the UN resolution, including the use of the word ‘genocide’ to describe the deaths of Tamils in the civil war. However, indications are it will be tough for the Government to introduce such a resolution against the sovereign government of a neighbouring country with friendly ties.

The Opposition BJP is not keen on another resolution. BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu said Parliament has discussed the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils a number of times and the position of all parties is clear.

Some observers fear the changed political scene could affect reforms with key Bills set to come before Parliament. According to an agency report, the Samajwadi Party has, for instance, said it would not back Bills aimed at liberalising pensions and insurance.

Earlier on Tuesday, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said she had nothing to say on the crisis.

At a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, she said: “We strongly stand for human rights of the people of Sri Lanka… impartial inquiry should happen into the allegations of atrocities against them.”

>jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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