UPA Government under no threat: Antony

Kochi, Jul 7 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today reiterated that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance(UPA) Government was not under any threat over the Indo-US nuclear deal and claimed that the Government would be able to prove its majority even if the Left parties withdraw their its support.

Speaking to newspersons after inaugurating the 'INTUC leadership training camp' here, Mr Antony said '' in the last UPA-Left meeting it was decided that a consensus would be reached on the issue in the next meeting, but the Left was impatient in giving a deadline for the Government.'' On a query whether the Congress gave an explanation to the Left on the issue, Mr Antony said '' the letter was given to Mr Pranab Mukherjee and he will reply to that.'' Later, addressing a gathering at the camp, Mr Antony said the nuclear deal was important to fuel the tremendous economic growth of the country.

Asserting that the Congress party would not do anything against the nation's interests, Mr Antony said '' we need fuel for our nuclear reactors and the deal would ensure adequate fuel from the US.'' As India do not have enough nuclear fuel to produce energy, it has to source fuel from the US, Russia, China, France or Australia, he added.

The crude oil prices had reached 144 dollars and the prices of petrol, kerosene and gas were increasing, which warrants a need to utilise alternative sources of energy like wave, wind and solar,'' he noted.

Touching on the labour issues, Mr Antony said the Centre was committed in protecting the interests of the workers in the unorganised sector.

UNI MA KVV RL RN1725