Opposition may drop no-trust move

Initially, even the BJP had opposed the no-confidence motion on the ground that the Democratic Front had sufficient strength in the House and that the move will boomerang on the alliance. Significantly, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Gopinath Munde was among the signatories to the motion submitted on December 15.

Subsequently, after a meeting between Union Home Minister L K Advani and Thackeray, it was decided that under no circumstances, will the motion be withdrawn and that all possible political steps should be taken to topple the Congress-NCP government.

8220;Our main objective was to force the Democratic Front government to prove its majority on the floor of the House. However, now, since the election for the deputy speaker has been declared, there is no need to press for the motion. However, final decision will be taken after consulting Thackeray as well as Advani,8221; the Sena leader added.

The Sena leader said, in fact it was better to test the strength in the election of the Deputy Speaker. 8220;The election will be by secret ballot and hence there is possibility of large scale cross-voting on either side,8221;the Sena leader pointed out.

Since the Sena-BJP alliance submitted the no confidence motion, the ruling Democratic Front government had initiated dialogue with Leader of Opposition Narayan Rane for withdrawal of the motion. Subsequently, the alliance put up the condition that it was prepared to withdraw the motion provided the election for the Deputy Speaker8217;s post was declared.