A hurriedly-convened meeting of the Samata Party's parliamentary wing, held this morning at Defence Minister George Fernandes' South Block office, roundly criticised Mamata for her ``unfair and unjust'' demand.

Interestingly, the issue seems to have reunited the faction-ridden party, at least for the time being. Members of the parliamentary wing were unanimous in urging the Defence Minister, who is also the Samata Party president, not to succumb to Mamata's demand. In fact, it was left to Khagaria MP Shakuni Choudhary, a prominent dissident, to take up cudgels on behalf of the party today.

A prominent backward leader from Bihar, Choudhary has in the recent past launched a tirade against his party leadership for appointing Raghunath Jha asthe president of the Samata Party's state unit. He is also a strong contender for a berth in the Union Cabinet on his party's quota.

``We've noted with serious concern Mamata's relentless attack on the Railways Minister, who belongs to the Samata Party, and her insistence on being rewarded with the portfolio,'' remarked Choudhary.

``We oppose it tooth and nail and want to tell her that our party is not so weak that it can be bulldozed by anyone. We have, after all, our own base,'' he added.

According to the Samata Party MP, Mamata should have spoken to Vajpayee before going public with her demand.

``By voicing her demand through the media, she has challenged the Prime Minister's discretion,'' he said.

``The Samata Party will not concede the Railways Ministry at any cost. There will be no compromise on the issue,'' he added.

Referring to BJP president Kushabhau Thakre's statement on the subject, he claimed that the Samata Party's views were also shared by the main constituent of the rulingalliance. ``I don't think Vajpayeeji will succumb to this demand,'' he asserted.

Asked whether he was speaking on behalf of his party, Choudhary replied: ``I have spoken to all my party colleagues. They concur with my views. It has now become a matter of prestige for us.''