Allegations and counter-allegations flew thick and fast with Booker Prize-winning author Salman Rushdie claiming he was invited to the Kolkata Literary Meet while the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, organisers of the Kolkata Book Fair where the meet is held, refuting it.

As the country boils over the Centre’s tough economic decisions, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to address the nation on Friday to explain the reasons that forced his government to take these steps. Friday is also the day when Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is expected to formally withdraw support to the government, pushing UPA-2 into a working minority.

Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, the wily SP chief, who has been nursing prime ministerial ambitions, is working to cobble up a possible third front for the 2014 general elections.

Delivering a body blow to the UPA-2 government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announ-ced Tuesday evening she was withdrawing support. She decided to quit UPA-2 in protest against the recent hike in diesel prices, cap on subsidised LPG cylinders, FDI in multi-brand retail and corruption issues.