Surprises in store at PM's 'private' dinner

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is throwing a dinner party for the United Progressive Alliance members on the eve of the no confidence motion on Monday to keep the flock in good humour. But, interestingly, media has been denied entry to the event, to be held at the Convention Hall of Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.

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A senior official at the Prime Minister's Office said it was not possible to get 450-odd media persons to the Convention Hall.

"All that would be left to write will be the menu," he said with a smile.

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Congress chief ministers and senior party leaders too find their names in the invitation list.

Dinner Surprise?
Congress leaders appeared much relieved on Saturday amid claims that the government has comfortable majority and would receive support from 'unexpected quarters'.

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"We expect support from unexpected quarters from outside our traditional support base. We have built a cushion of surprises. There will be support from all parties, excluding the Left," All India Congress Committee General Secretary and Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan told media persons in New Delhi.

Chavan's statement which spoke of surprises meant or implied that some members of the BJP, BJD, Shiv Sena and Akali Dal could also support the government in the trust vote.

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Meanwhile, party sources expressed confidence that MPs from Manipur and Nagaland could also vote for the government in the trust vote.

Additional Reportage: PTI