UPA allies protest only as 'political ritual'

The nationwide ‘bandh’ today which saw protests against the UPA government’s economic policies; had some surprising participants - UPA allies joined in the protests across the country. Samajwadi Party, the DMK and even the local NCP in Maharashtra were vocal against the diesel price hike and cap on LPG cylinders demanding a rollback.

While the Opposition tried to make the most of this anamoly, UPA allies themselves confessed that this was “political posturing.”

A senior NCP leader speaking to Business Standard, stated that they were wholeheartedly with the UPA on FDI in retail. As for the dissenting noises against the diesel price hike and the demands for a roll back from the NCP unit in Maharashtra, he said, "These are necessary political rituals to keep the party afloat in the state. This is akin to what Mulayam Singh Yadav is doing or DMK is doing right now."

He reiterated, "The party is wholeheartedly with the UPA government and supports it. There is no danger to the UPA."

While the SP which renders outside support to the UPA, has been openly voicing dissent against the UPA’s policies, Sharad Pawarr led NCP has been solidly backing the government.    

Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav today took to the streets in New Delhi, joining with the Left parties in protesting at Jantar Mantar against the price hike. He was even arrested outside Parliament Street police station along with CPM leader Sitaram Yechury and later let off. Their public display of ‘holding hands’ has set off speculations of a revival of the Third Front.

However if party insiders are to be relied upon, this was political posturing.

The DMK too had expressed its support for the bandh. Party chief M Karunanidhi on Wednesday itself blamed the Centre for further burdening the common man, who was already reeling under the impact of rising prices. He had asked his party members to extend "full co-operation" for the protest in a "peaceful" and "successful manner".

Significantly, stemming this talk of disgruntled UPA allies, Information and Broadcasting minister Ambika Soni today said the government was stable as it has the support of over 300 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha.