Lalu Yadav has backed out of a no-trust motion against the UPA government. And, the Centre responded in backing Lalu in the disproportionate assets case in the Supreme Court. Is there a deal between Congress and Lalu?

The day after the women's reservation bill got passed in Rajya Sabha, the desperate Yadav troika had raised the pitch further on the bill. They had even drafted a no-confidence motion against the UPA government and sought support from some known Congress baiters like Shiv Sena, to cobble together the required 50 Lok Sabha MPs to get the no-trust motion adopted.

Manohar Joshi, senior Shiv Sena Leader, said: "If a no-confidence motion is brought we will support." But the BJP had refused to support the Yadavs earlier, saying it's too early for a no-trust motion.

While hectic political activities are on in Parliament House, not far away in the Supreme Court, the Central government stood by Lalu in the disproportionate assets case on Wednesday. The Centre said the Bihar government had no right to appeal against Lalu's acquittal. Its impact on Lalu is instant and evident.

The Yadav leaders now maintain they never planned to move a no-confidence motion against the UPA government. They have not sent their letters withdrawing support to the govt, too. They claim they are still waiting for an appointment with President Pratibha Patil.

Lalu was acquitted by a Patna court on charges of amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 43 lakh in the fodder scam. Nitish Kumar had challenged the acquittal in the High Court.

Lalu says the protest now has whittled down to getting the suspension on Rjaya Sabha MPs revoked.

The government said the suspended MPs would have to apologise to the Rajya Sabha Chairman before any motion to revoke the suspension is introduced. But the MPs have refused to apologise.

"We will not apologise," said Kamal Akhtar, MP suspended on Tuesday. Another MP who was also suspended, Ijaz Ali said, "we will go to court against the decision of denying us the right to vote."

So the Yadav leaders are waiting and watching for now. If at all, the Left and BJP decide to bring in a cut motion on the Finance Bill in Lok Sabha, they may join hands to embarrass the government.

With numbers not in their favour, perhaps the duo will have to learn to play the second fiddle in the Opposition benches.