Protesters stage demo supporting Indo-US nuke deal

Ludhiana (Punjab), July 20 : Semi clad protesters in Ludhiana city of Punjab staged demonstration on Sunday in support of the India-US civil nuclear deal.

Bare chest protesters shouted slogans against the political leaders who are against the India-US civil nuclear deal.

"Hindustan (India) gained freedom 60 years ago but many villages and towns are deprived of electricity even today. Punjab, which is considered a developed state, too face shortage of electricity and power cut is a day to day affair. Nuclear deal will ensure power to the country," said Jitender, member of Hindu Raksha Samiti.

The protesters accused the politicians of running after money and neglecting the interest of the nation.

"We are staging this demonstration to voice our angst against the politicians who are running after money and not caring the interest of nation. The country is facing acute shortage of electricity," said Ashish Kapoor, protester.

India is in political doldrums after the Left parties decided to withdraw support from the Central Government run by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), with the Congress Party at the helm of affairs.

Congress has been trying to seal the civil nuclear deal with the US as it believes that the problem of shortage of electricity can be successfully addressed by nuclear power generation.

The country is witnessing mudslinging and deal-making in full swing as the fate of the government is dependent on Tuesday's confidence vote.

ANI