CPI(M) still wants discussion on N-deal in Parliament

KOLKATA: Though Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that the Indo-US civil nuclear deal could not be changed, the CPI(M) still wanted it to be discussed in Parliament as it had its reservations on it, CPI(M) patriarch Jyoti Basu said on Friday.

"The prime minister has said that the agreement cannot be changed, but we have objections to it. The PM has said he would try to convince us on our concern about the deal. We want that it should be discussed in Parliament," Basu said.

"The Left leaders in Delhi have spoken to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the prime minister expressing the reservations of Left parties to the 123 agreement," he said.

Asked whether his party would join hands with BJP which has demanded for a vote on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Basu said that the CPI(M) would not support any motion brought by the saffron party on the Indo-US nuclear deal and walkout in the event of voting.

Expressing his opposition to the deal, Basu said it would only benefit the US and not India.

Another key Left party supporting the UPA government from outside, the CPI has said its stand would be consistent with its political position.

The Third Front, popularly known as UNPA, has backed the BJP demand for a vote.