CPI-M softens stand on nuclear deal

In an apparent softening of stand, the Communist Party of India – Marxist on Monday decided to explore avenues to resolve its differences with the United Progressive Alliance government about the India-United States nuclear agreement. But the party stopped short of saying it would withdraw support if the government goes ahead and operationalises the pact.

"Both sides are trying to find how to resolve the differences," CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat said in Kolkata on Monday after a two-day meeting of the party's central committee.

He added that with the UPA-Left Committee on nuclear deal slated to meet on October 5 and October 14, "an attempt is being made to grapple with the issues which we have posed before the committee."

"We have put down our objections and they have replied to that. The process is going on but the government should not proceed till all the issues are resolved at the meeting," said Karat.

The CPI-M leader said that the Central Committee has authorised the Politburo to take 'appropriate measures' to ensure its stand was implemented. Asked what the appropriate measures would be, Karat said it would depend on the government's future course of action. "When the time comes, we will tell the nation," he said.

Karat added that the question of withdrawal of Left's support to the government over the deal was not discussed at the meeting of the Central Committee.

He said, "There will be more meetings. It will be unfair to say that this will not achieve anything. And we are very clear that they should not proceed to the next step without resolving issues at the meeting."  

On Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that the government will proceed with the deal irrespective of the Left's objections, Karat retorted, "I don't have the luxury of writing interpretations of what the prime minister wants and what we want."

He said that the decision of the Central Committee was unanimous and the UPA government should not proceed with its negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Putting the government in the dock for 'violation' of the Common Minimum Programme, Karat said the party has taken serious objection to major 'departures' which were the result of its pursuit of a strategic partnership with the United States.