Font Size 
N-deal takes political centrestage again
Published on Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 23:11, Updated on Wed, Oct 31, 2007 at 02:10 in Nation section
Tags: Indo-US Nuclear Deal, Henry Kissinger , New Delhi
NUKE PRESSURE: Washington's best salespersons are in Delhi talking to everybody who matters.
New Delhi: It appears some of the who's who of the Washington establishment are all in Delhi — from Treasury Secretary Paulson, to Henry Kissinger, nudging 84 but not old enough it appears to lend a hand to the State Department.
And they are all talking the same language, a language which brings back the nuke deal issue to square one and makes things extremely difficult for the UPA Government and even the principal Opposition party, the BJP.
The American now or never refrain on the nuclear deal was heard loud and clear by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in a late night phone call with US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
That same refrain has seen the BJP blow hot and cold in the last few days.
BJP leader, Venkaiah Naidu said, "The BJP not opposed to the having warm or cordial relations with the US. we are just opposed to the deal in its present form."
US Ambassador to India, David Mulford, had little luck with BJP President Rajnath Singh, but insiders admit the party is a divided house.
Many question the politics of being seen as siding with the Left in its strident anti-Americanism. Others hint some assurances would go a long way in softening the saffron heart.
Even the Left has not been untouched by America's do the deal campaign. High profile emissaries were sweetalking the comrades in Writer's Building. Experts say a churning is underway there too, but cracking the Communist bastion is next to impossible.
However, the Americans are leaving no stone unturned and the Government is awaiting a tumultuous Parliament session from the middle of November.
| Related links: | |
Read Comment | Post Comment
They are on their knees. Because they need us. To fight Iran, and maybe Pakistan and also earn money through
Read Comment
Read more comment »