Left Impact: Political atmosphere in Delhi charged up, UPA fights for Survival

Hectic political activities have been reported in Delhi aftermath Left's decision to withdraw support to the UPA government. President Pratibha Patil cut short her visit to Mumbai and returning to Delhi. Congress President Sonia Gandhi is holding meeting with senior leaders of the party to assess the situation. The cabinet meeting of the UPA will take place once the PM returns from G8 Summit in Japan.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh held a press conference to announce their unconditional support to the Congress-led UPA. Although they claimed that decision to support the Congress was unanimous, questions have been raised over the absence of 10 or 11 SP MPs in the crucial parliamentary party meeting, where the decision was taken.

Senior BJP leaders are too holding a separate meeting to assess the situation and decide on their future course of action. The party is all set to take full advantage of the current political situation and use this opportunity to reach the people, playing the stability card. The JD(S) has indicated that it would support if other secular parties do this.

The Congress, which is already on back foot because of inflation, fuel price hike and increase in food prices, has received a jolt ahead of crucial assembly elections and the general elections. The battle for survival is likely to be intensified once the PM returns home tomorrow. However, in all probability, the UPA government may survive with the support of smaller parties and may even muster the support of 280 - 285 MPs in the end.