Notwithstanding their strong anti-deal public posture on the nuclear deal, Left leaders have privately made it very clear that they would not do anything in the Parliament that would raise question marks over the government’s survival.

Though the deal is opposed by almost the entire Opposition, the Left parties are not likely to make common cause with the Opposition in Parliament, it was  indicated on Wednesday.

Floor leaders of the four Left parties would be meeting on Friday morning to chalk out their parliamentary strategy on this and other issues.

What is reassuring for both the government and the Left parties is that, as per the Constitutional scheme of things, the agreement does not require Parliament’s approval.

And the Left parties are not likely to demand for a discussion under the rules of parliamentary business procedure that would require mandatory voting at the end of the debate. 

The Left parties’ cautious approach over handling the issue during the month-long monsoon session of Parliament beginning Friday assumed significance since the issue will come up for parliamentary discussion.
The prime minister is likely to make a suo motu statement on the deal in both Houses of Parliament on the second day of the session, on Monday.