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Indo-US nuclear deal : CPI demands ratification by Parliament |
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While reports are coming in from Washington about Indian and US negotiators sorting out most of the problems relating to the civilian nuclear deal between the two countries, there is a growing demand at home for ratification of the deal by Parliament. The CPI has now joined the BJP in demanding that Parliament and the people should be taken into confidence about the ongoing negotiations and that any agreement on the nuclear deal should be subject to ratification by Parliament. The CPI National Council meeting in New Delhi on July 15 also demanded that India should pull out of the proposed joint naval exercises with the United States, Australia, Singapore and Japan. CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan, addressing mediapersons after the three-day national council meeting said the joint exercises are part of an attempt by the United States and allies to draw India into its military strategic plan.
On relations with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the CPI urged the other left parties to redefine their approach towards the ruling coalition which it alleged had singularly failed on major economic policy issues such as checking the rise in the prices of essential commodities. Bardhan said, the CPI is of the view that the four Left parties should review the situation and redefine their approach to the UPA.
The Left parties, in another development, have criticised India’s decision to launch an Israeli satellite with spying capabilities. CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury asked the government to explain its stance with regard to the Israeli spy satellite issue.
Left parties condemn Sheikh Hasina’s arrest
The Left parties have condemned the arrest of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. The CPI(M) politburo in a statement in New Delhi on July 17 said the move illustrated how the caretaker authority backed by the military was moving to curb political parties and democratic rights. The statement said the UPA Government cannot keep silent on such developments in the neighbouring country.
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