Basu rules out a Central role in next govt

There was “absolutely no basis” in reports which suggested that he might again be asked to lead a government in the event of the Vajpayee government’s fall, Basu said.

And, despite reported reservations in the Congress camp about leading a motley coalition, Basu was emphatic that the party should lead the non-BJP government. “Who else can lead such a government? The Congress is the largest (non-BJP) party with 142 MPs,” he said.

Basu said he would go to New Delhi on April 13 to discuss the current political situation with leaders of the Congress and other parties. The CPM politburo will be in session for the next two days.

Swamy was however noncommittal on any proposal to request Basu to head a possible non-BJP government. “I have no locus standi to make such a request. Nor have I carried any such request from anyone,” he told mediapersons as he emerged from his 40-minute meeting with Basu at the latter’s home.

Swamy said he had come to Basu to “seek his wisdom and guidance” on forming an alternative government because the latter was a “tall national leader with vast experience.”

Claiming to be “only a catalyst” whose mission was to cause the fall of the BJP-led government, he said that leaders of the Congress, the Left, Rashtriya Loktantrik Morcha and Jayalalitha would decide on whether the next government would be led by the Congress or supported by the party.

“It is for them to decide who will lead this government.” He said he was confident that the Vajpayee government would fall between April 15 and 17 “depending on when the debate is completed and put to vote.”

But he did not say if there would be a no-confidence motion against the government. Various proposals were being considered, he added.

Swamy claimed to have given Basu a party-wise breakdown of numbers that would go for and against the government. In his estimate, the government could at best muster 256 votes in its favour, while it required 271 for a majority.