Cross-voting helps UPA sail through trust vote

New Delhi, Jul 22 (UNI) But for the cross voting by 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha, the ruling UPA today would have bitten the dust during the vote of confidence.

While six of the 12 MPs were from the main opposition BJP, two were from the Telegu Desam Party, and one each from the Shiv Sena, Janata Dal(U), Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Janata Dal(S).

Had the Opposition voted as per party directives, they would have received 256 + 12 = 268.

Similarly, had they not voted for the UPA, the ruling coalition would have got 275 - 12 = 263, thereby losing by nine votes.

However, that was not to be and the government won with a lead of 19 votes with UPA getting 275 'ayes' and the opposition getting 256 'noes'.

Also, two members abstained from voting and eight others remained absent.

Four MPs, including former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, voted from the Parliament lobby as they were not well.

UNI AN PK AS2153