UPA government compromising national security: Modi

Dhuvaran, Gujarat, Aug 21 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the UPA government for allegedly compromising the national security by pressing the controversial Indo-US nuclear deal for gaining what he called 'energy security'.

''Gujarat will strongly oppose the deal and never allow the Centre to compromise the national interest in the name of energy security,'' Mr Modi announced.

Addressing a public rally organised to mark the dedication of a 112 mega watt gas-based power station here, the Chief Minister said the country which showed its nuclear power through the Pokhran test during A B Vajpayee's regime, would never hand over the key of its nuclear capability to the US.

''If the UPA government is so concerned for energy security of the country, it should supply gas and provide coal linkage between Gujarat and Nagpur. Only Gujarat can meet the energy needs of the entire country if this linkage was through,'' he claimed.

Criticising the Congress for spreading misinformation about his government's achievements in power and other sectors, Mr Modi said the state government was committed to increasing power generation and preserve the environment.

The decision to go for gas-based power plants in place of the existing oil-based plants at Dhuvaran complex would fetch a revenue of Rs 500 crore, he explained.

The Chief Minister said the Dhuvaran power complex could turn into one 'Urja Tirth' of the country with the commissioning of another 370 MW power project in future.

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