Suspended BJP MP Patel undecided on trust vote

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Suspended BJP MP Somabhai Patel is yet to take a decision on which way he will vote during the July 22 trust vote in Lok Sabha.

"BJP cannot issue whip to any of its suspended MPs and that is why I am free to take my own decision on the trust vote," he said in a telephonic interview on Saturday.

The MP from Surendranagar said he is being approached by "several influential and powerful forces" to take a decision on the confidence vote, sought by the UPA Government after Left parties withdrew support over the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

"I will take the decision only after reviewing the entire situation," he said. Patel said he is leaving for Delhi on Saturday, where he will have consultations with "various groups" before taking a decision on the trust vote.

The Sharad Pawar-led NCP, a key member of the ruling UPA, is in close touch with Patel, sources close to him said. BJP sources said local party leaders have not contacted Patel and it is up to him to take a decision.

Patel and another Lok Sabha MP Vallabh Kathiriya were suspended for "anti-party" activities ahead of the Gujarat Assembly election in December last year.