CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat gave enough indications that Chatterjee would announce his resignation. "We have given the name of all our MPs (withdrawing support) to the president", he said.
If Chatterjee quits at this stage now, many fear that India's plan to support developing countries in the forthcoming Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPA) may be affected. Chatterjee has been playing an active role for the past few months to ensure that the chairmanship of the CPA remains with the developing world.
"Chatterjee had shown a lot of political skill and his personal efforts have had an effect. Hope his successor shows the same grit," said a CPI(M) MP.
Three years ago, Chatterjee's efforts had resulted in an Indian becoming the CPA chairman for the first time. Hashim Abdul Halim, the longest-serving Speaker in an Indian legislative assembly, was elected chairman of the Executive Committee of the CPA with record 72 per cent votes.
The 54th meeting of the CPA is scheduled in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on August 1-10 where Chatterjee is expected to play a active role to ensure that the chairman's post goes to either a Muslim or an African candidate.
Last time, Chatterjee had himself drafted letters seeking support for Halim from the friendly countries. He met the then foreign minister Natwar Singh and foreign secretary Shyam Saran and requested them to get the letters delivered through Indian ambassadors.
Moved by his plan, Saran volunteered to deliver the letters to at least three countries himself. Chatterjee also held personal meetings with Pakistan's representative, who was earlier considered hostile towards India, and made him vote for Halim. He also showed political acumen when he supported the candidature of a Pakistani to lead the women's wing of the CPA.
Sources say Chatterjee may announce his resignation this week.
