UPA rallies behind Speaker

Singh, who drove to Chatterjee's residence here this morning, did not speak to the waiting reporters after the meeting that lasted about 10 minutes.        

He is understood to have appreciated the manner in which the Speaker conducted the House.        

But a senior Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan told reporters after meeting Chatterjee that the Speaker has the backing of the entire house.       

"Chatterjee's expulsion by his party doesn't change change his position " as Speaker, Paswan said adding "he will continue to receive our support.         

The CPI(M) on Wednesday expelled Chatterjee for his refusal to quit the post in line with the party directive soon after it withdrew support to the government.