We will not murder, but can't stop suicide: Communists to UPA

Hyderabad, Aug 25 (UNI) The CPI(M) and the CPI today clarified about the Indo-US nuclear agreement and said they would not commit murder by disturbing the stability of the UPA Government, but they are unable to avert suicide.

Addresseing a largely attended public meeting at the Sundaraiah Vigyan Bhavan here, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri and CPI National Secretariat member Suravaram Sudhakara Reddy said they advised the Government not to take further steps with regard to the agreement and the UPA Government's existence depended on its own wisdom.

Alleging that the agreement was part of Washington's imperial designs, Mr Reddy said it would ultimately undermine the soverignity of India and might even put its freedom at stake.

Replying to the argument of some Congress leaders that if the agreement was not honoured, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's prestige would be at stake, he said, if it was honoured the welfare of the nation and its people would be at stake.

He regretted that a propaganda was being carried on that the Communists were siding with China and Pakistan and were trying to hamper development in the country by blocking nuclear power projects.

The CPI leader wanted such critics to give reasons to their arguement. The communists protested and agitated against some of the decisions of the UPA Government earlier, but never blackmailed or warned, as was being propagated, he added.

Stating that there was no need for nuclear power, Mr Yechuri said India could produce power thrice the current levels, if its unutilised resources were utilised.

Referring to recent floods in the North, the CPI(M) leader said, if Nepal and India could harness their water resources and generate hydel power, they could not only stop floods but also generate power.

Mr Yechuri said India could generate a further 50,000 MW by harnessing its water resources, whereas the power being sought under the nuclear agreement was only 10,000 MW.

He also denied the propaganda that the Communists were objecting to the agreement to further the interests of China and Pakistan.

UNI