his apart, many Congress MPs are confidently predicting the government would get at least 280 "ayes", eight more than the required 272, when the trust motion is put to vote Tuesday.
This would happen if the BJP and Akali Dal MPs abstained when voting takes place, it was explained.
The 545-member Lok Sabha has an effective strength of 542. This is because there are two vacancies, one member - P.C. Thomas of the Kerala Congress - has been barred from voting and the speaker normally does not vote except in the case of a tie.
The government needs 272 votes to survive. This figure, however, could be even lower because it depends on the number of members present and voting.
