Mamata set aside rivalry to ask MPs to back CPM amendment

Mamata is scheduled to meet the PM Wednesday for seeking a financial package for the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally intervened to ensure embarrassment for the NDA government in Rajya Sabha when it was forced to incorporate an amendment in the motion of thanks to the President’s address expressing regret about the non-inclusion of the black money issue.

Banerjee instructed her MPs to vote for an amendment moved by the CPM — a party that is anathema to her — so as not to break the opposition ranks. The problem arose because at 233, the Left amendment was to come up for voting before TMC’s own at 357. Both were about black money.

“Mamatadi told us to set our egos aside and vote in favour of the amendment moved by CPM,” said a TMC leader. TMC leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’Brien said: “This wondrous Parliamentary democracy of ours has a mechanism to deliver strong messages to the government. Today the united opposition did that”.

The decision to move the amendments was taken in a meeting of opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday morning. Congress’s Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPM’s Sitaram Yechury, JD (U)’s Sharad Yadav, SP’s Ramgopal Yadav and TMC’s O’brien were present. It was there that the decision to go the whole hog on the black money amendment was taken.

Even after backroom manoeuvres, the opposition was not sure of being able to push the amendment through. Finally, a calculation was made tallying their own members present against the numbers of the NDA from the attendance register. By the time the PM was speaking, the Opposition were certain that the numbers were in their favour.

Mamata is scheduled to meet the PM Wednesday for seeking a financial package for the state.

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More

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