Date:02/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/02/stories/2007100257270400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Be ready for likely snap poll, CM tells Ministers

Differences between Congress, Left on Indo-US nuclear deal

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has sounded his Cabinet colleagues to be prepared for a mid-term election to the Lok Sabha in the wake of differences between the Congress and Left parties over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The Chief Minister reportedly dropped hints to this effect at the meeting of the State Cabinet here on Monday. Though the issue had not reached a critical stage yet, one cannot be sure of the Left parties’ next move, he is learnt to have said.

Abstention

Dr. Reddy reportedly told the Ministers that the Left parties may abstain from voting in case a no-confidence motion was moved against the Government on the nuclear deal. Alternatively, they could vote against it if the debate on the issue ended up in voting.

This, according to a senior Minister, was likely to happen some time around December.

The Congress high command was, however, not in favour of early elections.

Pension discussed

The Cabinet also discussed a proposal to enhance the social welfare pension from Rs. 200 at present to Rs. 400 on the lines of few other States. The meeting, however, opined that the scheme would not be feasible in the State in view of the more than 60 lakh beneficiaries.