The entire drama has been carried out in the most calculated manner possible, the Somnath Chatterjee episode being a slight digression from script. The CPIM had always plans to pull out when elections approach, and they had had this symbiotic relationship with Congress for over three decades now (rule at the centre and we make merry at the states -nee west bengal their hegemony). The Nuclear deal was just a non-issue being highlighted only now. Mr. Chatterjee having had finally got his worth at the national level (after all a Speaker enjoys privileges equivalent to a cabinet minister) was hardly going to give it up, and what's worse was in no mood to dispense with his crores (25 or more who know??) with Karat and Co. and hence the problem. The media just like always has discovered a new messiah and a martyr and are doing their utmost with all of the kitsch thrown in for an afternoon soap and beyond. Point of the matter is Mr Chatterjee has been one of the most ineffective and controversial speaker in recent memory having ben accused time and again of being partisan to the ruling coalition (read Congress) at the expense of propriety. The litmus test for an honorary post is being non-controversial and neutral (check with our ex president Mr Azad for tips) especially for a speaker as he is an elected member of a political party. However, the common verdict is that Mr Chatterjee has failed miserably at that.
