The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Nuclear deal

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Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Nuclear deal

The aam aadmi fails to understand the logic behind the UPA government’s insistence on going ahead with the civilian nuclear deal with the U.S. When we are self-reliant in many aspects and have alternative sources of fuel, why should we enter into a deal that is subject to the Hyde Act (a fact confirmed by prominent members of the Bush coterie)? Going ahead despite this will be nothing less than a sell-out of interests, self-reliance and sovereignty. That the government seems determined even in the face of constant protests by all major opposition groups in and outside Parliament is unfortunate.

Syed Ilyas Basha,

Hyderabad

* * *

The government says it is hopeful of a political consensus on the deal. But the main opposition party and the Left parties are speaking a different language. The people are a confused lot.

V. Padmanabhan,

Bangalore

* * *

Despite the rejection of the nuclear deal by the Left partners supporting the UPA government and the absence of a consensus in Parliament, the government continues to blow hot and cold on the subject. The claim by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the government’s view of the Hyde Act is different from that of the U.S. is aimed at obfuscating the truth. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has asserted that the Hyde Act is an integral part of the deal. With hardly a year to go, the government has nothing to lose even if the Left withdraws support. At least, the deal will become a reality.

Capt. T. Raju (retd.),

Secunderabad

* * *

Ms. Rice has publicly said that the Hyde Act would be binding on the 123 agreement. But the External Affairs Minister seems to think otherwise. His stand defies common sense. The UPA government seems desperate at the likely loss of a significant leverage in its bid to return to power in the next election.

K. Vijayakumar,

Bangalore

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