The Hindu : National : Disrespect shown to parties’ sentiments: V.P. Singh

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Monday, Oct 01, 2007
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Disrespect shown to parties’ sentiments: V.P. Singh

Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI: The former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, on Sunday criticised the United Progressive Alliance government on the India-United States nuclear deal. He said if Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s democratic instincts prevailed, there would not be any need for a mid-term election.

Talking to reporters, the Jan Morcha leader accused the government of showing disrespect to the overwhelming sentiments of the political parties which were against the deal.

“You can see the broad political spectrum that is opposed to the deal from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [RSS] to the Left parties, which provide crucial support to the Congress-led coalition government,” Mr. Singh said.

Gas pipeline

Mr. Singh said all talk about nuclear energy was “humbug.” He hit out at the government for not participating in talks with Iran on the gas pipeline project. “Was not this done under the U.S. pressure? If this is the scenario before signing the deal, what will happen after the deal is sealed?” he asked.

The Jan Morcha would also highlight other issues such as wheat import from Australia at “exorbitant” rates, “collapse” of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and sharp rise in prices of essential commodities. He would lead a day-long sit-in protest at Rajghat on October 2.

While demanding that the government pay the remunerative prices that it paid to Australia to farmers, he said the government shelled out about Rs. 16,500 to Rs. 18,500 for a quintal to Australia but paid only Rs. 8,500 a quintal to farmers.

He slammed the government for proposing import of about 55 lakh tonnes at high rates, which he said, would need to be heavily subsidised when given to PDS.

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