Raj governor flays parties opposing Indo-US deal

Jaisalmer, Apr 6 (UNI) Rajasthan Governor Shailendra Kumar Singh has criticised the BJP and the Left parties for opposing the Manmohan Singh Government's efforts for the Indo-US nuclear deal and urged them to allow evolution of consensus over this issue.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Singh, who has also worked with the International Atomic Energy Agency, defended Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's efforts for finalising the agreement and deplored the BJP for creating hurdles for political reason.

The Governor said it was actually Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA Government at the Centre, which had initiated the move of nuclear deal with the US and now the saffron party itself was bent on obstructing the way of finalising the deal.

Mr Singh said the deal would be in larger interest of the country and it was not ''sensible and logical'' both for the BJP and the Left parties to oppose such a move.

He said that on certain issues of national importance, like impending nuclear deal, all political parties should come together to evolve national consensus.

The Governor, a former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has also praised the Prime Minister for taking initiatives for improving relations with Pakistan but observed that the initiatives had not been adequately responded by the neighboring country.

On controversial sale of lands in bordering areas in some districts in Rajasthan, the Governor refused to comment saying he was still inquiring into the matter and might comment only after due study in the matter. He said he would also seek feed back from officials in Barmer over the issue.

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