MUMBAI, APRIL 4: The Sena-BJP alliance is unlikely to meet the April 5 deadline set by Sena supremo Bal Thackeray to topple the Congress-led Democratic Front government following the unexpected withdrawal of the cut motion submitted by Leader of the Opposition Narayan Rane.At a high level meeting of Sena-BJP legislators, Thackeray had asked Rane as well as senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde to chalk out an action plan to topple the Vilasrao Deshmukh government on April 5. Subsequently, Thackeray had a close door meeting with Union Minister for Information Technology Pramod Mahajan to discuss strategy.In accordance with the strategy, it was decided that instead of moving a no-confidence motion or seeking support from either the Congress or the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators, a cut motion should be moved."As per the convention, if a cut motion on the budgetary demand of any department is passed, it is considered as a defeat of the government and the government has no alternative but to resign," a senior BJP leader said.Accordingly, former Chief Minister Narayan Rane had given notice for a cut motion to the budgetary demands of the Food and Civil Supplies Department. In fact, at the joint meeting of Sena-BJP legislators, the prospects of the cut motion were discussed at length. Subsequently, the proposal was also discussed with Union Minister for Heavy Industry Manohar Joshi, who made his presence felt at the Council Hall.When it became clear that it will be difficult to get the cut motion passed, Rane informed Speaker Arun Gujarathi that he will not press for the motion. "Since I felt that the timing was not appropriate, I decided to withdraw the cut motion. There is no need to assign reasons for the withdrawal," Rane said.When Rane's attention was drawn to the statement of Thackeray (anout toppling the government), the former Chief Minister said, it was a prediction of his political mentor. "So far, he has always proved correct," Rane remarked.However, a senior BJP leader said since a large number of BJP legislators were absent today (Tuesday), it was decided to drop the cut motion plan. "We have still five days in hand to move the cut motion. Once we are sure of our strength, we will move it and ensure that it is not defeated," the BJP leader said.Manohar Joshi did not speak much about the Sena-BJP's strategy to topple the Congress-led Democratic Front government, saying he was here to meet party legislators.Meanwhile, the NCP as well as the Congress on Tuesday geared up to save the five month old government. "I think it will not be easy task for the Sena-BJP alliance to topple the DF government. We will ensure that the cut motions moved by Rane or any of the Opposition members are defeated. In fact, that will give us a fresh opportunity to prove our strength on the floor of the House," a senior Congress minister said.
