Deve Gowda blames BJP and Left for nuclear deadlock

Sirsi, Karnataka, Sep 4 (UNI) Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) National President H D Deve Gowda, opposing the Indo-US nuclear deal, today blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)and Left parties for not making their stand clear before the deal was being finalised by the UPA.

''The BJP and the Left parties which were opposing the Indo-US deal now should have stalled the deal in its initial stage itself'' he said.

Stating that the present Indo-US nuclear deal would undermine the independence of the nuclear programmes of the country, Mr Gowda said the UPA government has agreed to constitute a review committee before finalising the deal. ''Let us wait for its outcome'' he said.

Replying to questions, Mr Gowda informed that his party would fight the coming local urban-bodies elections on its own.

Mr Gowda said JD (S) had fought the earlier Panchayath elections on its own strength without alliance with any other political parties.

The party would maintain equidistance from both BJP and Congress, he added.

On the appointment of Mr Mirajuddin Patel as the party president in the state, Mr Gowda said all rank and file of the party had welcomed the decision.

UNI