BJP to press for N-vote in Parliament

The BJP on Wednesday signalled that it will press for a vote when the Indo-US nuclear deal issue comes up in Parliament. The BJP is of the view that the 123 Agreement needs to be renegotiated or abanonded as it is the first step towards operationalising the Hyde Act, and other US laws. Several of the requirements of those laws have been built into the 123 Agreement. The party feels that the nuclear deal pushes the country not into a strategic partnership with the US but a strategic subservience to the USA, which the BJP cannot accept.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said, "The BJP is opposed to the nuclear deal. The party is of the view that whenever international treaties and agreements are entered into, which impinge on national sovereignty, national security and the national borders, it must be approved by the Parliament."

The party took a position that provisions of the Hyde Act militate against national sovereignty — in particular, in regard to the conduct of the foreign policy. When enforced, it will seriously impair the nuclear weapons programme and thereby jeopardise the strategic objectives.

Mr Prakash Javadekar said, "The BJP rejects the government’s claim that the rate of inflation has come down dramatically. The ground reality is diametrically opposite to the tall and false claims of the government. Prices of all essential commodities in general and food items in particular are literally on fire.

"Instead of playing with statistic, fudging the figures the government must come out with an action plan to combat inflation and reduce the burden of the common man. The BJP also demands that the government must supply edible oil and pulses along with cereals through the PDS at reasonable price. The government must also strengthen the PDS by stopping large scale diversion amounting to Rs 17,000 crores," Mr Javadekar said.