Date:07/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/07/stories/2006010706461200.htm

National

Clarify stand on nuclear plan: BJP

Special Correspondent

"Centre must keep all parties informed"

Concern over plan being shared with U.S. Congress
Wonders whether it amounts to capping India's n-resources

Wants Government to take other political parties into confidence

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday sought a clarification from the United Progressive Alliance Government to The Hindu 's report that India had submitted to the United States a plan to separate military and civilian nuclear facilities. The report had said that this was a follow-up to the agreement signed between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and U.S. President George Bush during Dr. Singh's visit to the U.S. in July last year.

Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar expressed concern that India had reportedly stated that it would have no problem if the American Government shared the plan with the U.S. Congress.

He said the Government should tell the people of India the basis on which the nuclear facilities have been selected for military or civilian use. He wondered whether "the separation would amount to capping our [India's] nuclear resources."

Mr. Javadekar said the Government should take other political parties into confidence.

Ten days ago at its Mumbai conclave the BJP had adopted a foreign policy resolution charging the Manmohan Singh Government with "capitulation" to U.S. interests.

Referring to the July agreement the resolution had said: "The events since the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in July 2005 clearly demonstrate that the independence of decision making is no longer assured."