BJP wants nuclear deal renegotiated

NEW DELHI: Emergency in Pakistan has given the BJP another reason to oppose the nuclear deal.

The party is of the view that “the UPA government has made a significant strategic blunder by turning this deal into a kind of an icon of India’s relations with the US”. The deal, BJP leaders say, virtually bans India’s nuclear testing.

The situation in Pakistan was discussed at length at a meeting at leader of the opposition LK Advani’s residence on Tuesday. 

There was an overwhelming feeling that the developments across the border would affect India’s strategic interests. The party was, however, conscious not to mention Pakistan in the signed statement it released in the names of Advani, BJP chief Rajnath Singh and leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh.

“The BJP has consistently stood for close Indo-US cooperation and strategic partnership. We stand opposed to the deal because in our view it compromises long-term strategic programmes of India, which is vital for the country’s security. It will also not help meet our energy needs,” Advani said.

The party reiterated that the deal must be renegotiated and “not hustled through as the UPA government is
doing”.