Moving the trust motion in a packed Lok Sabha, Singh described the debate as “fully avoidable”, and regretted that it had come at a time when the country was facing various issues like inflation, problems on the farm front, etc.

“Since I assumed office, I did all in the interest of the nation,” he said while moving the motion of confidence in the House that began a two-day debate on the issue.

Singh began his speech by praising the visionary leadership of CPM leaders Jyoti Basu and Harkishen Singh Surjeet and DMK boss M Karunanidhi, but carefully avoided naming CPM general secretary Prakash Karat, who was instrumental in withdrawing support to the UPA government.

The prime minister defended the nuclear deal and said: “I had assured all, including the Left parties, that we will come to Parliament before we go to the Nuclear Suppliers Group for implementing the nuclear deal.”

Earlier, giving a thumbs-up sign, Singh asserted that his government would win the vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha. While reaching Parliament, the PM waved at the camerapersons and flashed a “V” sign before entering his office. When reporters asked about his government’s prospects, he responded, “We will prove the majority on the floor of the House.”

Mamata to abstain

Kolkata, PTI: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she would abstain from voting during the confidence motion in Parliament on Tuesday. “I’m not going to Delhi. I cannot vote for either the BJP or the Congress, nor in favour of the CPM. Our line is to maintain equal distance from these parties,” she told a party rally.

Banerjee said she had taken the decision after discussions within the party. “The common people are more concerned about sky-rocketing prices than the nuclear deal,” added Banerjee, Trinamool Congress’s lone member in the Lok Sabha.