Put Congress on election mode -spokesman

Tikamgarh(MP), Sep 13 (UNI) Appealing to put the party cadre on election mode, Congress spokesman Satyabrat Chaturvedi said the Congress-led UPA government would not further succumb to the pressure tactics of the opposition and left parties on the nuclear deal with America.

''Though the UPA was optimistic to complete its full term, the party cadre should be prepared for Lok Sabha election and a panel of prospective candidates should be prepared'', Mr Chaturvedi told a meeting of party functionaries here yesterday.

''The Congress would not further bow down before its allies and other opposition parties on the nuclear agreement. The stand of BJP and left parties against the deal was detrimental to the interests of the country'', he said.

He recalled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's clarification that the agreement with US was in India's favour because of its long-term benefits. Besides increasing nuclear energy availability, it would also help strengthen our technology.

Referring to the opposition to the Setusamudram project off Rameshwaram coast to facilitate smooth passage to ships in Palk Straights area, Mr Chaturvedi said the project was conceputalised when Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee headed the NDA government and the UPA government was only continuing it.

'The BJP stands exposed for its dual standard on the Ram Setu issue'', he said.

Since the BJP could not come out openly against the project, Mr Chaturvedi said, agitation against it was being launched through Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other Hindu outfits. Besides, the agitation against the project amounted to contempt of court since the matter was sub-judice.

The Congress spokesman claimed the UPA was extending assistance to all states without any discrimination. However, Madhya Pradesh and few other states were misusing the central assistance, he lamented.

UNI