Allies alarmed

After the prime minister dared the Left to pull down the Government and a veritable showdown loomed on the horizon, it was not only Congress leaders who were jittery about the consequences. Equally worried were ministers belonging to the alliance parties. One of the UPA ministers was recently heard saying: 8220;The Prime Minister8217;s remark was a bit harsh.8221; Then perhaps realising he was giving collective responsibility a bad name, he quickly added, 8220;But the situation will be amicably resolved.8221;