UPA, Left avoid 'Nuclear' Showdown, to meet again

The hectic political activities involving the Congress, UPA allies and Left parties, finally yielded success, as the government survived for the time being. Both UPA and Left members met at External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's residence and decided to meet again.

The 'nuclear' showdown between UPA and Left, which looked imminent after CPI General Secretary issued a veiled warning saying, "UPA government is safe only till 5 PM". However, no such thing happened and it was averted. Both Pranab Mukherjee and Sitaram Yechury addressed a joint press conference after the meet. While the government has almost decided to go ahead with the nuclear deal, it is buying time to avoid immediate by-elections.