US Sikh leader urges Akali Dal to reconsider stand on nuke deal

Washington, Jul 19 (UNI) US Sikh leader Dr Rajwant Singh has urged Akali Dal to reconsider, in the interest of the nation and Punjab, its decision to vote against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led UPA government on the nuclear issue.

In a statement, he appealed to all political parties to support the stand of Dr Manmohan Singh on the nuclear deal with the United States.

''This agreement is for the betterment of India and millions will benefit once this deal is implemented,'' said Dr Singh who is the Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, a non-profit organisation which works closely with the White House and the US Congress.

They sent letters to Congressional leadership here, urging them to support the Indo-US nuclear agreement.

Dr Singh said, ''We had asked members of US Congress to support this deal after the agreement was presented for vote. There was an overwhelming support among the political leaders in America to improve relations with India and help her gain energy self-sufficiency.'' UNI XC AM PM0736