Talk of a possible mid-term Lok Sabha election has begun in UPA circles as its senior leaders fear that if the stalemate between the government and the Opposition over the latter’s demand for a JPC probe into the 2G spectrum scam persists, it could extend to the Budget Session early next year.
The only option then might be to seek a fresh mandate in September-October next year, they feel.
The corruption issue has already escalated and both the government and the Congress Party have to fight a political battle on multiple fronts.
The Opposition does not want to pass up any opportunity to discredit and weaken the government, while UPA crisis managers are trying to assess if the time is right to play the snap poll card.
They feel the Opposition is divided ideologically and lack a leader who can unite them against the Congress-led front. UPA sources feel the government will not be able to run Parliament if the Opposition continues to be insistent on a JPC probe into the spectrum scam in the Budget Session.
“We can and will pass the next Budget without a debate if the stalemate continues. But then we cannot run the government. Then the only option will be to seek a fresh mandate,” UPA sources said.