Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032259621200.htm

National

Our problem is with the deal: Bardhan

HYDERABAD: There is no change in the party’s opposition to the India-U.S. nuclear deal, which “is not in the country’s interest,” CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan said on Friday.

The government had briefed the United Progressive Alliance-Left Committee on the deal on the talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but “we have not come to grips [with the issues] yet.” A lot of clarifications were sought from the government. “We have no problem with the IAEA. Our problem is with the deal.” What was objectionable in the deal could not be overcome with the safeguards agreement with the IAEA, he told reporters here.

Criticising the UPA government for taking the relations with the U.S. towards a strategic partnership, Mr. Bardhan said it was harmful to the country. “We can be friends with America, we can’t be sort of a military ally.”

On the recent incidents in Tibet, the CPI leader said these were an internal affair of China.

Stressing the need for a third alternative based on the Left and democratic parties’ programmes, he said it would also interact with the United National Progressive Alliance.

Admitting that there were differences in the party on the Telangana issue, he said the four-day 20th congress of the CPI, beginning here on March 23, would discuss it and take a “united and unified decision.”

Claiming that there were many deficiencies in the loan waiver scheme, he wanted the ceiling on land holdings raised so that more farmers could benefit.