Mayawati frontrunner for PM:CPI

New Delhi, Jul 18 (UNI) The CPI today said BSP president and UP Chief Minister Mayawati is a leading contender for the post of Prime Minister in the event of the UPA government failing the trust vote on July 22.

Replying to a specific query by a mediaperson on the probable contender for the prime ministership, CPI general secretary A B Bardhan here said, ''Ms Mayawati at the moment appears to be the most probable candidate for the post of Prime Minister.'' Mr Bardhan, however, did not specify whether Ms Mayawati would be immediately installed as Prime Minister in case of the UPA government failing the floor test.

In the event of the exit of UPA government, Dr Manmohan Singh will continue as caretaker Prime Minister.

In fast changing political equations following Samajwadi Party's decision to extend support to the beleaguered UPA government on the nuclear deal followed by the Left parties withdrawing support to the ruling UPA coalition, Ms Mayawati has become a rallying point for those opposing the nuclear deal.

The Left parties along with TRS, TDP and BSP have come under one umbrella, opposing the nuclear deal and having decided to vote against the Central government.

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