THERE IS a lot of hue and cry in the political circle over the civil nuclear deal between India and the US. These opposition did not arise simply because of the merits and demerits involved in making such deal, but because of political compulsions of various players in the politics. Despite being affected by the political compulsions, each player is singing the national interest song. But it is interesting to see if anyone wants to support the deal, like Samajvadi Party (SP), begins to consult scientists as everyone knows that scientists and other exports are in favour of deal.
Biggest opposition came from allies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, the Left Front. Over last few years the Left run West Bengal has been going through various changes. It, for the sake of industrialisation didn’t even care for the farmers of Nandigram and Singoor. Their demonstrations were crushed by hook and crook and several concerns like maoist hand and communal characters of movements were talked. They even rejected sentiments of like minded thinkers from civil society, in the course of implementing their plans; those always looked capitalistic.
In fact, if anyone thinks it is deviation from Left’s way of doing something, one is wrong as history is full of Left governments of various countries, who suppressed every civilian movement, which were against their views. In this regard they always act as feudal lords and always give contradictory reasons. Left is against the deal and it is very clear that their opposition is led by the fact that they are against America and don’t want a deal with them. Left’s thinking over nuclear issues has always been guided by foreign players (read China).
Remember when India did five nuclear tests in 1998; Left opposed this and when the issue of Iran gaining nuclear capabilities came, they stood in favour of Iran. Now have you known any other group in the world, which is against gaining nuclear capabilities by its own country and supports other countries? There was contradiction just because of in Iran’s case; US was camping against Iran. Imagine what stand they will take if China stands against Iran. Left has failed to come out with clear cut practical reasons, why it is against the deal. Recently Left came with its ugly hidden face when it said SP shouldn’t support the deal as Muslims are against the deal. Suppose what would happen if someone comes with idea of India attacking Nepal as it recently dismissed last Hindu ruler on the earth.
What exactly these Leftists are thinking? I thought they are above religious and communal ideas. But they are not and are very communal in thinking too. Now they feel the state of India, which a secular democracy by the virtue of its heritage and constitution, should start taking decisions regarding religious thinking. No community, be it majority or minority, should have a communal say in matters of state and this must be preserved. Moreover it is wrong interpretation of Muslim sentiments.
Recently Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati came with the same view. She is the new champion of Muslim interests. She kept mum until SP came into light. As soon as prospects of SP entering into the deal to save UPA government became clear, she started to sing Muslim tune. No one is saying that there is no opportunistic dimension in SP coming close to UPA to save deal, but has BSP, who campaigned in favour of BJP during 2002 Gujrat elections soon after Muslim homicide there. In fact Mayawati has an eye over possible SP-Congress pact in UP in the coming Loksabha election.
Despite losing grounds in UP, Congress is still a player and despite of losing government, SP is a key player. A possible alliance between SP, Congress and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) may diminish the hopes of Mayawati gaining political power in the next union government. Ridiculously, some Muslim leaders bought the anti-Muslim theory and rushed to thank her, though these leaders have just religious value and never gained popular political support from Muslim population of UP.
Opposition’s stand on the deal is also ridiculous. Had BJP been in power, it would have made all the efforts to make-up this deal. In fact several BJP leaders are said to be in support of the deal. Former national security advisor (NSA) and PA to PM, Brajesh MIshra has openly supported the deal. The support of Mishra is often interpreted as support of former PM Vajpayee. Perhaps it was answer of Singh’s appeal to farmer PM in Loksabha.
BJP's opposition to the deal is often seen as opposition because of being the opposition. My humble question is, cant we grow to the extent of thinking national interest in place of political interests. It is quite evident if elections come, supporting the deal may push BJP’s image in brighter light, despite being an opposition and going for the national interest.Lastly, would the deal really effect the nation? Well! I don’t think deal or no deal will affect elections. Major issues will involve the rise in prices and other national issues. Has it been favourable conditions on economical and political front, Congress would have gone to elections over this very issue. The deal will start affecting our economy after a long period of time and till that time no one will remember these long and stiff discussions. No one will remember who were against the deal or favoured the deal. After few years, no one will remember that once the deal was the question of life and death of a government.
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