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Crucial UPA-Left panel meet today

NEW DELHI: On the eve of the meeting of the United Progressive Alliance-Left committee on the civilian nuclear deal with the United States, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T.R. Baalu as part of her initiative to end the standoff with the Left parties on the deal.

A senior Congress leader, who did not want to be named, pointed out that the Wednesday’s meeting was crucial as its outcome would lead the Congress leadership and the Prime Minister to take a call on whether they wanted to go ahead with the deal or not. A political call would have to be taken after the meeting.

Asked whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was isolated on the deal, party general secretary Digvijay Singh said both Ms. Gandhi and the party were fully behind Dr. Singh.

Sources in the party said that the UPA would be consistent in asking the Left to allow the government to go ahead with finalising the India specific safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The sources said that at some time or the other, the Left parties would have to “convey” to the UPA what they planned to do if the government were to go ahead at the IAEA. “We will not go by media reports.”

After his 30-minute meeting with Ms. Gandhi, Mr. Baalu said his party was in favour of “the comrades as well as the deal.” He ruled out early general election and saw “no imminent threat to the government.”

Pointing out that CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and CPI leader D. Raja met DMK chief M. Karunanidhi two days ago, he said: “These discussions will culminate into better prospects only.”

On Tuesday too, Mr. Karat held discussions with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who will miss the Wednesday meeting.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh said his party alone would not take any decision on the issue. The United National Progressive Alliance would take a stand on the matter next week.

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