The Hindu : National : “Don’t make nuclear deal a prestige issue”

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Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008
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“Don’t make nuclear deal a prestige issue”

New Delhi: Asking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh not to make the nuclear deal a “prestige issue,” Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday said the United Progressive Alliance government should suspend further action on the agreement and leave it for the next government to finalise it.

Claiming that the deal was a step to make India a “slave” of the United States, she said the country should hold its head high to safeguard its interests.

“The government and the Prime Minister should not make the deal a prestige issue. They should suspend the deal for the time being. Elections are near. Let the next government take a decision on it,” she said a press conference here.

Ms. Mayawati said the deal would also “hamper” the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project as the U.S. was acting against Tehran in a “dangerous” manner.

“The whole world have to face the consequences of a nuclear war between the U.S. and Iran and the blame for which will fall on the UPA government if it goes ahead with the deal.”

Holding the UPA and Congress “guilty” of going ahead with the deal, she said New Delhi should assert itself for a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

Asked whether the anti-government side has enough numbers to topple the UPA, she said, “wait till tomorrow [Tuesday], you will come to know.”

However, she refused to comment on the allegations made by Samajwadi Party leaders that the BSP was using money power to get MPs from other parties.

On senior BJP leader Advani’s comment that she would not become Prime Minister, she said: “I don’t take note of useless talks.” — PTI

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