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Congress criticised for extreme stance on n-deal

CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal working president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday accused the Congress of bringing the country to the verge of mid-term elections by adopting an extreme, stubborn stance on the nuclear deal issue much against the country’s interests and the will of the people.

Talking to The Hindu here, Mr. Sukhbir Singh said that to satisfy the whims and fancies of just “one person” the Congress was ignoring not only the Opposition but its own allies in the United Progressive Alliance. He said it would have been better if an all-party meeting was convened on the issue and an attempt made to generate a consensus.

“What would this conflict and political instability lead to?” he asked the Congress leadership.

Mr. Badal said the Akali Dal was well aware of the country’s energy needs and would avoid any double talk on the issue. However, the party would state its stance on the issue only if the Union Government convened an all-party meeting on the issue. He said before taking any step the Government would do well to consider all divergent opinions on the issue.

The young Akali leader said it was for the UPA constituents and other allies of the Congress to analyse the situation and make a proper assessment. “The inflexible attitude of the Congress, which threatens the era of coalition politics, had defeated the objectives of the UPA,” he said, adding that it was time for the Congress allies to decide whether they would like to continue in such an undemocratic arrangement.

Commenting on the political scenario, Mr. Badal said the Akali Dal was prepared for elections and he had initiated the process of gearing up the party units to the grassroots. He expressed confidence that the party would improve its performance as compared to the success in the Assembly and Municipal elections this year.

Responding to a question, Mr. Badal denied any differences with any faction of the alliance partner, the BJP.

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