The Hindu : National : AGP against India-U.S. nuclear deal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 11, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

AGP against India-U.S. nuclear deal

Special Correspondent

Guwahati: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said on Thursday that it was opposed to the India-U.S. nuclear deal and would vote against the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government in Parliament if the government sought a trust vote.

The party, which has two members in the Lok Sabha, demanded a national debate on the deal.

In a statement, jointly signed by its president Brindaban Goswami, Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Chandra Mohan Patowary and executive president Phanibhusan Choudhury, the party said there was a strong public opinion against the UPA government for its failure to check price rise and keeping the country in the dark about the nuclear deal.

It said the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) would continue to exist, minus the Samajwadi Party which “betrayed” the alliance by pledging support to the UPA government.

“Autocratic” functioning

Mr. Goswami said the Congress’ refusal to share the details of the deal even with its left allies spoke volumes about its “undemocratic and autocratic” functioning. People too had a right to know about the deal.

Asked about the possibility of a tie-up between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AGP in the next Lok Sabha election, the AGP leaders said they were trying to ensure that non-Congress votes were not split.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National