Congress claims support of 280 plus MPs

NEW DELHI: Amidst growing suspense on the outcome of the trust vote on July 22, the Congress on Friday claimed that it has the support of 280 plus MPs.
   
"We have 280 plus... This is our firm and confirmed support base," Congress media department chief M Veerappa Moily said here, adding, "the news would give sleepless nights to BJP and the Left".
    
Asked about the break-up of the numbers, Moily refused to elaborate saying it will become clear on July 22. "There are vultures out there in the Opposition who are waiting for the prey," he said in a lighter vein.
    
On the game of numbers being played ahead of the trust vote, the Congress leader said the UPA enjoyed a "majority" even after the Left withdrew support. "We knew that the Left will withdraw support on some pretext and the nuclear deal gave them the excuse. We were prepared for it and had the numbers in place," Moily said.
    
Replying to questions on Congress MPs speaking against the party in Karnataka and Haryana and its implications for the trust vote, Moily said, "our flock is together. We are not worried on that count and (are) confident".
    
He, however, countered by alleging that some MPs of the BJP are not with the saffron party. Asked if the Congress was in touch with any BJP MP to cross over for the trust vote, he replied with a firm "no".