Left leaders to meet DMK Chief over nuclear deal

Chennai, June 22 : Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Prakash Karat and Communist Party of India (CPI) National Secretary D. Raja are likely to meet Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) Chief M. Karunanidhi here this evening.

The meeting assumes significance as both the Left and the Congress leaders are trying to convince the UPA partners about the deal to their respective positions.

Both the leaders are likely to apprise Karunanidhi about the recent developments related to the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal.

Karunanidhi on Saturday had volunteered to mediate between the Congress and the Left Parties to avoid face off between the two and resolve differences over the Indo-U.S nuclear deal.

Raja said that they would urge the DMK chief to convince the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government not to precipitate in the deal-issue.

The UPA allies including the DMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Nationalist Congress Party and Lok Janshakti Party are firmly backing the Government on the nuclear deal.

The pro-deal allies also say that the agreement is in the interest of the country. However, these allies have maintained that the viewpoint of the Left parties must be given due consideration.

In the last few days, the Government has been trying to end the face-off with Left parties on the nuclear deal.

ANI