The Left is now bracing itself to be at the receiving end in the Winter Session of Parliament beginning on Thursday, as the BJP-led Opposition is getting ready to attack it over the Nandigram issue, even as the Congress is least expected to spring to the defence of its outside allies at the Centre.
The session, which is scheduled to focus mainly on the Indo-US nuclear deal, could be crucial as far as the UPA-Left relationship is concerned, as while the Congress would expect the Left to officially mellow down on the issue of the nuclear deal, it would take up cudgels against  the CPM particularly, on the Nandigram issue.
The first day of the Session will see Lok Sabha adjourn immediately after being convened because of the death of BJP MP V K Khandelwal, but Rajya Sabha could definitely be  expected to witness fireworks  from the Opposition benches.
The Session is expected to have a discussion on the nuclear deal but without noisy scenes as witnessed during the Monsoon Session, as the Opposition has indicated its willingness to allow the debate this time.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters on Wednesday that it had been decided by all parties that if a member continued to flout the Chair and rushed to the well, he or she would be penalised.
“Members have the right to protest but should do so from their seats,” he said.
Mr Dasmunsi, who has been severely critical of the Left on the Nandigram violence said, “Several members also expressed their concern over the escalated violence in Nandigram and demanded a discussion prior to any other issue to be taken up in both the Houses.”
The Session will also see issues like price rise, law and order, Naxalism, Special Economic Zones and farmers plight.