Govt trying to rush through nuclear bill: CPI(M)

New Delhi, Aug 17: As the UPA's long fight to achieve consensus on Indo-US Nuclear Bill appears to be culminating with backing from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the CPI(M) slammed the government for trying to 'rush through' the civil nuclear liabilities bill in Parliament.

The Left party on Tuesday, Aug 17 accused the government of rushing through the bill even though the US was clear that it would not lift the embargo on supplying dual use technologies which include heavy water and those required for enrichment and reprocessing..

"The prime minister has stated in Parliament that nuclear commerce with the US will be conditional upon India receiving full civil nuclear cooperation. But the Obama administration is very clear that these technologies will not be transferred," party leader Sitaram Yechury said.

"Why is the Manmohan Singh government trying to rush through the measure. Are they going to give it as a gift to the US president when he comes here?" he questioned.

When asked if BJP agreed with the CPI(M)'s stand, the leader said there was no convergence of views between the parties as the saffron party was "not firm enough" on issues.

"There are differences (with the BJP)," he said.

The CPI(M)'s statement comes amid speculations that the long standing UPA-BJP impasse over the contentious bill is set to come to an end as the leaders from both the sides hold talks. By expressing satisfaction that its reservations have been considered, the BJP has hinted that it might be backing the bill.

The government is keen on getting the bill passed before US President, Barack Obama's visit to India.

The bill is expected to be tabled on Wednesday, Aug 18.

OneIndia News