Indo-US Nuclear Agreement Hijacked
Press Statement on behalf of NDA

Even as the Parliament was fully seized of the Indo-US Nuclear Agreement and was awaiting a full discussion on it the Government constituted a parochial and partisan committee, outside the Parliament, to examine fully the implications of both the Henry J. Hyde US-India Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006, and the commonly called 123 Nuclear Cooperation agreement.

This is a deliberate and blatant violation of the Parliament’s rights, prerogatives and privileges. This setting up of a private committee is a total negation of the opposition’s rights and role in Parliament. It triviliases the high importance of a vital national issue impacting on our national security and the country’s strategic autonomy for the next half century.

The Government has voluntarily handed over decision making to the CPI (M) and the Left Front. There is now apparently no Central Government effectively holding the reins of office; the Communists have been handed over power to decide the future of India but without any responsibility. This abdication by the Government, of its responsibility is a betrayal of their oath.

The NDA cannot accept this. Even now the Government must recognize the perilous path on which they are obstinately set.

The NDA demands that our voice in Parliament must be paid heed to. The NDA’s demand of a JPC on the issue must be accepted. This is what we expect.