PM invites allies to dinner amid Third Front chatter, Rahul is abroad

New Delhi:  One of the big challenges for the Congress in the new budget session that has begun today will be keeping its flock together - a flock that has increasingly appeared headed in different political directions. Mamata Banerjee, in particular, has been reported to be straying towards enemy lines. She has also often accused the Congress of taking allies like her for granted, and of not consulting them before announcing big-ticket policy changes.

The Prime Minister will host a dinner tomorrow night to build unity and perhaps more importantly, morale. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is likely to attend. Her son, Rahul, who accepted the responsibility for the Congress' horror story in the UP elections has travelled abroad. It is expected to be an al fresco affair at 7 Race Course Road, catered to by the ITDC, which runs Delhi's five-star Ashoka Hotel.

Since the Congress' whipping in the elections in Punjab and UP, the speculation about a Third Front that would include Ms Banerjee has reached fever pitch. Parties like Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and Naveen Patnaik's BJD have reportedly begun coveting Ms Banerjee's political support as leaders have begun contemplating the possibility of early general elections. Today, however, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar and high on the most-wanted list for a Third Front said he does not believe mid-term polls will take place.

Ms Banerjee was invited by the Akalis to the swearing-in of their government in Punjab. She was also asked to attend Akhilesh Yadav's swearing-in as chief minister of UP. After initially indicating that she would go to both ceremonies, her party said that because the Assembly session in West Bwngal begins this week. Ms Banerjee will remain in Kolkata but will send representatives to Lucknow and Chandigarh. Her changed itinerary followed a warning from the Congress which spelled out its displeasure. Allies are expected not to cross the "Lakshman Rekha," said the Congress.

If Ms Banerjee and her 19 MPs decide to exit the UPA - she has repeatedly said that's not on her agenda - the Congress could look for more support to Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose 22 MPs have often bailed out the government by voting with the Congress on key matters.  But his total sweep of UP has gifted Mr Yadav and his young son, Akhilesh, much cachet and leverage.  Akhilesh said today that talk of a Third Front is "a good thing."

The Congress also has to contend with partners like the DMK who have vowed to reject any policy or legislation that violates federalism or the authority of state governments. 

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