Indian government works to shore up coalition after coalition ally withdraws support

NEW DELHI – India’s ruling Congress Party is working to shore up its governing coalition after a crucial ally withdrew support in protest over a raft of new economic reforms.

Top Congress leaders were meeting Wednesday to hammer out a new strategy for maintaining a parliamentary majority until the next scheduled national elections in 2014.

Leaders from the Trinamool Congress announced late Tuesday they would pull out of the government later this week because of government moves to reduce fuel subsidies and to open the country’s huge retail sector to foreign companies.

Without Trinamool, the government would have less than the 272 lawmakers it needs to stay in power. However, several parties outside the government have been supporting the coalition and the government appears to be counting on them to stay in power.