UNC political tension in the HOR

The political stress that has characterized the relationship between former United National Congress (UNC) leader Basdeo panday and the new leadership continued to be evident Wendesday in the national Parliament.

UNC Political Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar returned to the House of Representatives Wednesday for the first time since her injury last week.

She suffered a fractured shoulder after tripping on the carpet in the team room and fell.

According to our correspondent in Port of Spain, Persad-Bissessar behind Panday, who still occupies the position of leader of the opposition but she did not acknowledge him and he ignored her.

She had great difficulty adjusting her chair, which was next to Panday but the ex-UNC leader didn't offer any assistance. Panday instead kept his focus on the pile of documents on his desk.

Chief Whip Jack Warner who saw what was happening went to his leader's rescue, helped her with the seating arrangements and returned to his chair.

The political tension increased Tuesday night when Persad-Bissessar announced to the news media that she is one MP short of ousting Panday and taking over the post of opposition leader.

She didn't say which of the "Panday" MPs have crossed over to her side, but JYOTI understands that Roodal Moonilal and Chandresh Sharma have now said they will stand with the new leader.

One source has also said that long time Panday loyalist Kelvin Ramnath might be willing to come over but he wants the party to ease the pressure on Panday, whom he admits has reached the end of his active political life.

UNC sources say Persad-Bissessar will have the required eight signatures present to president Richards asking him to appoint Persad-Bissessar as leader of the opposition.

The sources say the change will take place after carnival.