The Hindu : National : Karan Singh backs nuclear deal

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Monday, Jun 30, 2008
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Karan Singh backs nuclear deal

LONDON: Speaking out strongly in favour of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal, a senior leader of the Congress has said the country needs the agreement for meeting its energy needs which are central to sustained development.

Speaking at a meeting of the British arm of the Indian Overseas Congress, Karan Singh expressed regret that the BJP, the main Opposition party, which had once initiated the nuclear agreement is now opposing it.

“India needs the nuclear deal for its development,” he said, but added that the country will emerge strong despite the current political crisis resulting from the Left parties’ vociferous opposition to the agreement.

“Despite the current crisis the country is facing, India will emerge as a major power and Congress party will have a stellar role to play in it,” he told members of the Indian Overseas Congress (UK) led by Daljit Singh Sahota.

Claiming that the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh had allocated more funds for poverty alleviation schemes during its tenure than was done in the last 40 years, Dr. Singh also said that India might see a general election ahead of its scheduled time in May next year.

Several Indian Overseas Congress leaders from different parts of the U.K. attended the meeting held at the posh Washington Hotel at Mayfair, owned by NRI hotelier Joginder Sanghar.

Dr. Singh also complimented the NRIs for their achievements and positive role they had played in ensuring that India enjoyed a “very good” image abroad.

The Indian High Commissioner also hosted a dinner for the Congress leader on Friday night, which was attended among others by Lord Navnit Dholakia, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Party in the House of Lords and Lord Meghnad Desai, a well-known economist. PTI

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