By IANS,
Guwahati : The lone Mizo National Front (MNF) MP from Mizoram, Vanlalzawma, is likely to abstain from voting during Tuesday’s confidence vote, party sources said.
“A final decision is being taken Tuesday although the brief from the party high command (Chief Minister Zormanthanga) is that Vanlalzawma would abstain from voting in case the picture becomes clear that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government will survive the floor test,” a senior MNF leader told IANS by telephone from state capital Aizawl Monday evening.
The ruling MNF had earlier supported the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“We do not support the UPA as Congress is our main rival in the state. But at the same time we do not want to be dubbed as a pro-Hindu party as well,” the MNF leader said.
Meanwhile, Independent MP from Assam Sansuma Bwismutiary has already expressed his support for the UPA government in the trust vote although he had put certain preconditions for his support.
“I only want that the unfulfilled clauses of the accord signed with the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) are implemented and the central government takes all possible steps for overall development of the Bodo dominated areas,” Bwismutiary said.
Independent MP from Manipur Mani Cherenemei said he was still undecided.
“We are taken seriously only when there is a crisis in the government. I will decide on Tuesday,” Cherenemei said.
The lone MP from Nagaland W. Konyak of the Naga People’s Front has decided to vote against the UPA. Two MPs of the Asom Gana Parishad too have decided to vote against the UPA.