Article 356 does exist, warns PM

Political observers detect a shift in emphasis. Though this has consistently been the stand of the BJP and the government, the PM8217;s emphasis that Article 356 can be used if necessary is significant and is seen as a way of trying to buy time from allies who are becoming increasingly impatient.

The absence of three major allies cast a cloud over themeeting. The AIADMK stayed away and only one member of Jayalalitha8217;s five-party front attended. Mamata Banerjee, who was persuaded last night to attend the meeting though she was earlier said to be busy with vote-counting in West Bengal was said to have 8220;missed her flight8221;. Hegde8217;s absence was attributed to his prior commitments though the date of the meeting was fixed as far back as May 9.

Only Hegde deputed a representative, Jeevraj Alva. But Jayalalitha8217;s displeasure with the government was obvious. Even though two of her ministers were present in Delhi neither was asked to stand in for her. TRC leader V Ramamurthy was in Delhi, but did not attend. PMK leader Ramadoss stayed away, faxing instead a statement demanding the dismissal of the TN government. He also clarified that there was no question of his party8217;s withdrawal from the government.

Only MDMK leader Vaiko who has stated earlier that he is against the use of Article 356 attended the meeting. He remained silent when Ramadoss8217;s statementthat Vaiko, too, was in favour of President8217;s Rule in TN was read out at the meeting. In fact, Vaiko8217;s presence at the meeting is being viewed as a signal from Jayalalitha that she has complete control over her front.

Briefing the media later, Jaswant Singh claimed that too much should not be read into the absence of the three allies. 8220;There is no political uncertainty,8221; he said.

Concern was expressed at the meeting that the image of the government was taking a beating due to the public airing of differences. It was emphasised that allies should avoid speaking to one another through the press and that effective communication and exchange of views was essential for the smooth functioning of a coalition.

BJP leaders put up a brave front but the allies8217; attitude is causing concern. Unlike the previous CC meeting, partners in the BJP-led coalition were far more vocal in expressing their views. Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal, whose party HLD has only one MP, asked for a Rs 2,500-crore loan waiversimilar to that given to Punjab by the previous government on the grounds that his state too had to cope with the consequences of insurgency in Punjab. With Om Prakash Chautala tilting towards the Opposition, Bansi Lal seems to be upping the ante.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal indicated that some rethinking on certain import duties was necessary and asked for an increase in border area allocation.

Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal raised the Orissa situation asking for more funds for the state, while Shiv Sena leader Madhukar Sarpotdar said that there should be more coordinated functioning of the CC. Since this was the first meeting after the Pokharan tests, allies were informed of the steps the government had taken on the economic front. Finance Minister Yaswant Sinha, who was specially asked to attend the meeting, gave a detailed explanation of India8217;s position and claimed that a turnaround on sanctions was already evident in the stands of the World Bank, other international lendingagencies and even the US.

Jaswant Singh explained to the CC the progress on the international diplomacy front. The progress on the National Agenda was also discussed, especially the PM8217;s emphasis on agriculture, drinking water, rural health and energy. The next meeting is scheduled for mid-August.

Pawar cuts short trip

After taking a public stance in support of his followers, leader of Opposition Sharad Pawar is cutting short his stay in London and will now return here on Monday midnight thus heralding a week of intense activity in the Congress which could alter political equations in the country.