ON BOARD PM’S AIRCRAFT, OCTOBER 18: Conceding that the Indo-US nuclear deal was “something that didn’t work out the way you wanted it to” and that it did have an “effect” on his government, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today reminded his UPA partners that “they were part and parcel of the Cabinet process” when the 123 agreement was approved.

At the same time, he was in a combative mood in rejecting the BJP demand for his resignation over the setback to the deal. The BJP, he said, was “least qualified to talk about our moral right to govern” since it was in power when the Gujarat “holocaust” took place, when the Agra Indo-Pak summit ended in a fiasco, and was “sleeping” when the Pakistanis intruded into Kargil.

Speaking to reporters on his way home from the IBSA Summit in South Africa, Singh, responding to a question on opposition to the nuclear deal from within the UPA, said: “In life one has to live with uncertainties. As far as the Cabinet is concerned, let me remind you that the Political Affairs Committee of the Cabinet, which has representatives of all major political parties in the coalition, had approved the 123 agreement. This agreement was approved by the Cabinet. So I don’t know what you say about the UPA going back on it. They were part and parcel of the Cabinet process.”

Earlier this week, DMK chief M Karunanidhi, speaking to The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on NDTV 24x7’s Walk the Talk programme (it will be telecast at 9.30 pm on Saturday, October 20), had said he had doubts on the nuclear deal even before the Left raised its objections

Asked if his remarks after the deal ran into difficulties were reflective of a deeper problem he had with power politics and whether he was simply doing his job by holding on to the PM’s post, Singh said: “I can only quote the Gita. In life, one must do one’s duty. I have done my duty regardless of the consequences. Now it’s for the people to judge.”

Very critical of the BJP — “of all parties, is least qualified to talk about resignations” — Singh described the Gujarat riots as a “holocaust”.

“Look at the holocaust that took place in Gujarat. It took place when Mr Advani was the Home Minister. He gave certificates to the Gujarat government. And we all saw the massacre that took place under the BJP. So they did not think of their moral right to govern on that occasion. What about the fiasco with regard to the Agra Summit, the collapse of the Agra Summit? And we all know why the war in Kargil took place. The infiltrators were coming into our country and the government in New Delhi was sleeping. So I think the BJP is the least qualified to talk about our moral right to govern.” He denied that his government was on election mode simply because there had been a spate of announcement of populist schemes in recent weeks. According to Singh, many more schemes would be unveiled next year.

On Myanmar and the perception that India had gone along with the military regime and given up its policy of backing democracy forces led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Singh said: “Our position on the basic issues of political reforms is never in doubt. When General Than Shwe visited India two years ago, I had a very good discussion with him and we impressed upon the Myanmar leadership the need for political reconciliation, to unite all political elements and he did not deny it. Violence and suppression of human rights is something that hurts us.”

But underscoring the pragmatic aspect of what has been driving India’s position on Myanmar, the PM said it was necessary to “cooperate” with the government in Myanmar. “We have to recognize that Myanmar is our next door neighbour and sometimes it doesn’t serve the objective you have in mind by going public with condemnations. We have to be mindful of the fact that India’s north-eastern borders are with Myanmar and there are insurgent groups who sometimes take advantage of the situation to indulge in nefarious activities.”

On Pakistan, Singh referred to the peace process with Pakistan slowing down because of that country’s internal dynamics. Asked if the return of Benazir Bhutto would speed that up, his view was that it was too early to tell. “The new political order in Pakistan is yet to take shape.” Yet he expressed optimism that with “hard work”, a headway in the peace process would be possible.

Responding to questions on WTO and whether India had radically altered its position on the Doha round by limiting its dispute to agriculture issues, the PM said: “Talks are on in Geneva and changes are taking place everyday. We are making a constructive effort to find an equitable solution for all members. We don’t want the Doha development round to forget the ‘development’ aspect of the round. It’s premature to say anything, but we have every reason as a developing, poor country to try and ensure that the multilateral trading system functions well.”