The Hindu : Front Page : UPA must clarify on deal: CPI

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Thursday, Oct 18, 2007
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UPA must clarify on deal: CPI

Special Correspondent

“India’s image has not taken a beating because of the go-slow”
Judge government on other issues

MUMBAI: Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan on Wednesday said that till the UPA government clarified the status of the India-U.S. nuclear deal it would continue to remain an issue.

“We have learnt from the press that the Prime Minister had spoken to Bush about the difficulties he is facing on the deal. They have told us nothing. Perhaps on October 22, they will tell us,” Mr. Bardhan told a press conference. “Only then will the Left know whether the deal is on hold or some new-fangled suggestions are in the offing.”

“We will not try to pre-judge what they will say on October 22,” he said. “That is the day the UPA-Left committee will meet on the nuclear deal. Already four meetings have been held. After that the Left parties will meet and take a stand,” he said.

India’s image has not taken a beating because of the go-slow on the nuclear deal, rather it shows it is a functioning democracy, he said. “Our government is committed to the people I hope, not to President Bush,” Mr. Bardhan said.

Asked if the Prime Minister putting off the deal was a victory for the Left, he said it would be wrong to look at the issue as a success or failure, or a victory or defeat for the Left. “The issue is very much present even today,” he clarified.

The UPA government should be judged on other issues. Let the government operationalise the public distribution shops, Mr. Bardhan said. He said the Left has always been concerned about other serious issues facing the country such as spiralling prices, farmers’ suicides, and land alienation. The government should also pay attention to the question of employment and at least ensure that more jobs are not lost, he said.

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