“I have spoken to (Prakash) Karat and (Sitaram) Yechury after my meeting with Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday and I told them to listen to what Mukherjee had to say, to see if it is possible to work out a compromise,” Basu told reporters at his residence in Salt Lake, during a book release function. He was referring to his meeting with the external affairs minister where Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee and party Politburo member Biman Bose were also present. “The minister told me he will try to explain to the IAEA the objections from the UPA allies and try to seek some concessions,” Basu said.

Asked about Sonia Gandhi’s indirect attack on the Left’s opposition to the 123 deal, he said: “Sonia had made a good speech in New York. I don’t know why she has changed her tone now.”

“I wish that both of us (UPA and Left) should stay together for some more time. So, I personally do not want early elections. But if the Congress desires so, we are ready for it,” said Basu .