'We are 162' Really? : Number drama baffles one and all

Mumbai: The hotel stunt staged at Grand Hyatt in Mumbai by the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine raises several issues. If the alliance was so strong, analysts say why the alliance did not name a leader so far.

They feel that the parade was a charade and that this was a stunt to influence the Supreme Court which has reserved its judgement for Tuesday.

Though a banner has been put up in the hotel saying, "We are 162". But the assessment in the boardroom is that there were only 137. There were some sitting MLCs, former MLAs, MPs and leaders or parties.

Though they said they will individually parade the 162 MLAs before the media but that did not happen. Total confusion prevailed at the Hyatt hotel and neither Congress leader Kharge nor Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut refused to give any explanation.

All those who were present at Hyatt were administered a pledge of support saying that none will cross the floor on the day of floor test.

But the big question is that if they really had a strength of 162, why did they not take a roll call or get attendance sheet signed mentioning his name and constituency, analysts ask. Some even called it as "Hotel Sarkar".

Interestingly, some of the MLAs claimed that some could not come and by the time floor test takes place more will join.

GVLN Narsimha Rao of the BJP said it was a fraudulent claim. "I have a strong objection to oath. They should apologize to leaders for having put family over public."

Soon after the hurried show of head count, the leaders went into a huddle apparently rattled by the low turnout of the MLAs.