UPA Govt deviates CMP on foreign policy : N Ram

Kolkata, Aug 31 (UNI) Noted journalist N Ram today said the UPA Government at the Centre had grossly deviated from the Common Minimum Programme on the foreign policy.

Speaking at the Naren Sen Memorial Lecture, organised by the CPI(M) Kolkata District Committee, the Hindu Editor-in-Chief said the UPA Government had no difference with the NDA as far as its policy on the US was concerned.

" Foreign policy, espcially in the light of the Indo-US strategic partnership, is the weakest area of this Government where its performance is the poorest. There is no difference between the UPA and NDA in this respect, " he said.

Mr Ram said though the Government was more or less on right track in maintaining relation with the neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, China and Sri Lanka, the kind of agreement it had forged with the US, was far off from the CMP.

He also pointed out that India had not so far raised its voice against the Israeli aggression in Lebanon nor had it expressed solidarity with Iran for pursuing its civil nuclear policy.

However, a 'people's resistance' made the Prime Minister to commit in both floors of Parliament that the country would not sacrifice its interest to the US, Mr Ram said.

Criticising the role of a section of media, Mr Ram said a propaganda was being sought to be made in support of the Government, but that was the 'travesty' of reality.

UNI KDG SJC RD 2047