Cong leaders' plea to support nuke deal

Hyderabad Jul 17 (UNI) Congress leaders today urged all political parties, including the Left, to support the UPA Government during the Trust Vote on July 22 on the nuclear deal to prove their patriotism.

Addressing a seminar on 'Nuclear Deal - Need of the Hour', organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle here, Former PCC Chief and Rajya Sabha Member K Keshava Rao said the UPA Government decided to go ahead with the nuclear deal in the overall interest of the nation and also to satisfy the future energy needs of the country.

The nuclear deal with the US was a sign of progressive invitation for the country to take it to the realms of higher position at par with the growth of other countries.

He could not understand why the Left, despite deliberations on the issue at various levels, was opposing the deal when Communist countries like China had already signed the agreement and Russia was insisting India to go ahead with the agreement.

Stating eminent scientists and professors too had supported the agreement 'aimed at protecting the country's national interest and ensuring energy security, Mr Rao said the UPA Government had not pledged the country's sovereignty as alleged by the Left.

AICC Member and MLC P Sudhakara Reddy said the deal would never affect the solidarity and independence of India. The Left was politicising the issue as they did not want the country to develop.

He said the Congress party always stood for the integrity and development of the country. Some vested interests were opposing the agreement under the pretext it would harm the country in the long run.

Understanding the importance of nuclear energy as a clean energy, India had come forward to sign an agreement with the US for nuclear cooperation, he added.

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