CPM, BJP on one side, but make uncomfortable allies

The CPI-M is increasingly finding itself in inconvenient company — the BJP in Parliament — and cannot help it, too.

The CPI-M is increasingly finding itself in inconvenient company — the BJP in Parliament — and cannot help it, too.

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First, it was the nuclear deal that found them on the same side. Then came the Bofors issue with the CPM’s Suresh Kurup voicing criticism at the CBI’s handling of the case involving accused Ottavio Quattrocchi, after the NDA had attacked the government on the issue.

And on Tuesday, both Houses of Parliament witnessed the CPM and BJP moving separate privilege motions against Indian ambassador to the US Ronen Sen for remarks attributed to him describing those opposing the nuclear deal as “headless chickens”. Both parties want the envoy recalled.

While CPM leader Prakash Karat has been asserting that his party would do nothing to benefit the BJP, leaders of the BJP say they have no problem being seen in the Left’s company. “After all, L.K. Advani called up Karat to support the move for a debate in Parliament with voting on the issue,” said a BJP leader.

CPM and BJP leaders said the government was finding itself in a minority on the nuclear deal issue, with only the UPA allies supporting the agreement.