India should not join hands with US: Buddhadeb

KOLKATA: Joining hands with the US would lead to disaster, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said on Sunday and cautioned the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre against such a move.

"Whoever joined hands with the US faced disaster. India should refrain from joining hands with that country," he said in a reference to the Indo-US strategic alliance while addressing open session of the 8th All India Democratic Women's Association.

Bhattacharjee, however, did not say anything on the controversial Indo-US nuclear deal which was opposed by his party.

He slammed the Congress for committing 'mistakes' in developing the country which led to unemployment, lack of education and food shortage. That was why, India has to import wheat, he said.

"We have extended support to Congress-led government at the Centre to stop BJP. Else, the country would have turned into Gujarat," he said, explaining his party's support to the UPA.

Bhattacharjee said China has more population than India, yet that country has achieved much progress while 40 per cent people in 'our country are poor'.

He said prices of essential commodities were shooting up and farmers were committing suicide in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

"Even after the Prime Minister's visit to Vidarbha, farmers are committing suicide," he added.

Bhattacharjee exhorted women to form more self help groups.