Admitting that technically the BJP and its allies did not have requisite strength in Rajya Sabha to pass the proclamation, she hailed Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's request to the Congress to reconsider its stand on Bihar as one that was ``best in the democratic tradition.''

On the Congress' refusal, Mamata said: ``The Congress has preferred to attach more importance to the narrow political gains over a national issue.''

She felt that ``by turning the tables now, the Congress only stands to lose as its decision would spread disaffection among its party men in Bihar.'' ``The Congress decision has also closed the door for any political cooperation which it (the Congress party) might like to get from otherpolitical parties in future on such issues in the event of crisis,'' she added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu on Monday termed the Union Government decision as ``inevitable.'' Speaking to reporters he said that he was not surprised at the decision as he knew, ``it had to happen this way.''