As explained by The Indian Express on Thursday, the “revelations” contained little that was previously unknown, and only restated some modalities of the understanding on nuclear testing and transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technology.

Political chatter got ballast from what UPA ally Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose support is critical to the government, said. “I am in a dilemma... Pehle pata laga, phir Pranab Mukherjee ka bayaan aaya (I first heard reports about the Bush administration’s letter, then Mukherjee made a different statement)...”

Congress sources said Yadav had made off-the-cuff remarks based on media reports. A section sensed political posturing: the SP, after failing to roll over the Congress in seat-sharing talks and “other non-political demands”, was trying other tactics.

Speaking at a political rally in Erode, Sonia Gandhi was direct and unapologetic. “It is imperative for the country to have nuclear power for its development,” she said. “We are a big country, with over 100 crore people. We need energy. We believe that nuclear power is crucial. More the power, quicker the development.”

The BJP and CPI(M) demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation for “lying” to the country, and a session of Parliament to move a breach of privilege motion against the government. Left, UNPA and BSP leaders will meet the President on Saturday to demand immediate convening of the monsoon session.

THEY WANT TRUST VOTE II

(The government and UPA) have deliberately misled the country… Only option left to them is that the Prime Minister should quit.

— PRAKASH KARAT, CPI(M)

I am in dilemma. The statement made by Pranab Mukherjee… is different from that of the media report about the Bush administration's letter… I'll examine this…

— MULAYAM SINGH YADAV, SP

The disclosures have confirmed our worst fears... It is now crystal clear that India will lose the right to conduct nuclear tests forever.

—YASHWANT SINHA, BJP

We believe nuclear power is crucial. More the power, quicker the development.

— SONIA GANDHI, CONGRESS