India greatest US follower : Basu

Kolkata, Mar 03: Veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu today (Mar 03, 2006) lambasted the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the centre for its growing camaraderie with the USA describing it as the 'greatest follower of America'.

''I think the present Government is the greatest follower of the USA. It perhaps thinks that no work is possible without America,'' he told reporters after attending the CPI(M) State Secretariat meeting here.

Reacting to the visit of US President George Bush and a string of bilateral agreements, including the nuke deal, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau member also took a dig at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for going to receive Mr Bush at the airport calling it a shame.

''This has never happened. Our Prime Minister personally went to the airport to receive George Bush.Reacting to the visit of US President George Bush. It is a shame for India,'' he said.

Mr Basu's acerbic remarks came a day after the Left parties staged nationwide demonstrations protesting the visit of Mr Bush.

Left Parliamentarians also demonstrated in front of the Parliament House.

UNI