It was a turbulent alliance all through. The UPA had to depend on the Left for the very survival of the Government, though each had and has an altogether different agenda. In West Bengal and Kerala, they are at loggerheads. At the Centre, they pretend to enjoy bonhomie. It is the eighth wonder that this exuberant friendliness could last until now. Both the parties are now preparing for the inevitable. The parting of ways is imminent.

Time is running out. The U S wants completion of all formalities leading to signing the treaty by January next year, on the eve of George Bush laying down the office of Presidency. At long last, the Union Government has signalled its determination to go ahead with India-specific safeguards agreement at the IAEA. The Left has warned that such a move could have a devastating effect.

The left parties have already made it abundantly clear that they will withdraw their support to the UPA government if it goes ahead with the deal. Now, it is up to the Congress leadership to spell out its priorities - to continue in power or not. And, if they decide to go ahead with the deal, which seems certain, the country will witness elections by this year-end.

These are problems of a multi-party Government. Any minority Government will be compelled to compromise. It is the degree of compromise that would differ. The Prime Minister is not free to act as he wills, right from Day One. He cannot choose the Minister he wants in the Cabinet. He cannot allot portfolios as he likes. The alliance partners would register their preference and that is how it happens. Dr. Manmohan Singh seems to be at his patience' end. He had given a word to the U S that he would go forward with the deal. In our system of Governance, the Government need not have the nod of the Parliament to sign international treaties.

Yet, the left still insists that the "honeymoon may be over but the marriage can go on."