Mulayam meets PM and Sonia, favours nuke deal
4 Jul 2008, 1523 Hrs

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New Delhi, July 4 (ANI): Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi here today to discuss the Indo-US civil nuclear deal and made it clear that they favoured the deal.

Yadav and Amar Singh had a 30-minute meeting with the Prime Minister, which convinced them that the nuclear deal is in the interest of the country and that they would try to convince other United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) constituents on the issue.

Earlier on Thursday, the SP leaders had met former President A P J Abdul Kalam to discuss the pros and cons of the nuclear deal.

Kalam elaborately explained to them the benefits of the deal and allayed fears about the national sovereignty or foreign policy being compromised.

"We have been opposing it (nuclear deal) as we did not have any new details. But now these new details have come," Yadav told mediapersons.

On being asked whether they were satisfied with the clarifications given by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement two days back, Yadav said, "the entire nation would be satisfied."

Amar Singh said the Prime Minister's statement, addressing point-by-point issues, was "quite satisfactory" but the UNPA had decided to consult some "eminent" and "undisputed" scientist who was identified as Kalam.

Both Yadav and Amar Singh seemed to be convinced that the deal was in favour of the nation and said "national interest was a priority to them rather than politics".

However, they insisted that no commitment had been given to the Prime Minister about extending support, as they have to consult other UNPA leaders.

The SP, whose 39 MPs in Lok Sabha would be crucial for survival of the Government if Left parties withdraw support, are likely to announce their decision on supporting the UPA in a couple of days. (ANI)