| If the CPI(M) "comes to know" independently that the government has taken a draft to the IAEA, it will follow the same course: drive to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to deliver a letter to the President, informing her of the withdrawal of its support to the UPA. |
| This decision was taken formally by its last Politburo meet at New Delhi, but the CPI(M) decided to keep it under wraps and wait for government's formal response. During the four Left parties' meeting last Monday, it was endorsed unanimously. |
| Now, the CPI(M)'s highest political decision-making body, the Central Committee, during its meeting will 'authorise' the Politburo to take a such decision. |
| The two-day Central Committee meeting started at New Delhi this morning. Summing up the mood of the meeting, Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri said, "All that we want is, government should pause on further talks with IAEA." |
| CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat made it clear during the meeting of the four Left parties, under what circumstances they would withdraw support. |
| However, as they were waiting for government's formal response to their demand to suspend IAEA talks, Left parties chose not to talk about the withdrawal in public but warned the government that it would have to face 'serious consequences' if IAEA talks went ahead. What this actually means is that there is no option but to stall the negotiations process with the IAEA if the government is to be saved. |
| According to sources, there is no sign of any move in that direction yet. However, both the Congress and the government spokespersons have stopped saying anything on IAEA negotiations. |
| External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has met CPI(M)'s interlocutor Sitaram Yechuri several times over the past few days but there is no solution in sight. Mukherjee told Business Standard on Wednesday: "We have not reached any solution. There are still some problems". |
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