For the first time since its inception, the top brass of the BSP formally interacted with the CPI(M) when BSP chief and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today met CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat in Delhi.
Mayawati and Karat's meeting took place at a time when both parties are searching for political support.
Karat is eager to find friends to back his tirade against the nuclear deal. One the other hand, the UPA chief minister, more than the nuclear deal, is worried about the disproportionate assets case which the CBI is pursuing against her.
Mayawati has challenged the case in the Supreme Court and the hearing is on July 28. In case the apex court turns down her appeal and the CBI files the chargesheet against her, political experts feel she will be left with no other choice but to step down as the CM (as Lalu Prasad did when he was the chief minister of Bihar).
After the meeting of Karat and Mayawati, the CPI(M) issued a statement: "Karat appreciated the stand taken by Mayawati on the nuclear deal. He stressed that since the deal is against the country's interests, both parties should cooperate to fight against the nuclear deal with America".
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However, CPI(M) insiders maintain that although the party has temporarily lost its old friend (Samajwadi Party) on this issue, the scope of political adjustments with Mayawati is limited and the two sides will cooperate only on the nuclear issue. Larger alliance, according to a politburo leader, is not possible.
"Mayawati reiterated her opposition to the deal. It was decided that there should be cooperation to stop the deal and the fight against the UPA government in this regard," he added.