We cannot compromise on N-deal, says Basu

Jyoti Basu ruled out any ‘compromise’ with the government over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Amidst conflicting reports about the party’s stand, veteran CPM leader Jyoti Basu ruled out any ‘compromise’ with the government over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

“We cannot compromise. Let us see what the Congress does and then we shall take a decision,” Basu, attending the CPM’s Central Committee meeting, said when asked whether the party would take the ‘extreme step’ or compromise on the nuclear deal.

The CPM patriarch’s comments come amidst reports that leaders from Bengal were opposed to the ‘hardline’ view of the Central leadership on the nuclear deal with the US and that they were opposed to any withdrawal of support to the UPA government at the Centre.

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He said External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is also the convener of the UPA-Left committee on the nuclear agreement, had a telephonic discussion with him on Friday ahead of the October 5 meeting of the committee.

“I have told him, you (Mukherjee) are convening the meeting. You will be present there. But we cannot compromise,” the CPM patriarch said.

The committee will have another meeting later next month, Basu said.

CPM general secretary Prakash Karat has submitted a report before the central committee on the issue, Basu said adding it was being discussed.

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While the Politburo discussed the issue on Friday, the Central Committee began three-day deliberations on Saturday.