After Kalam OK to n-deal, SP signals a rethink: Let UPA give us new facts

“So far, all facts related to the deal that we have got have come from Left parties. But if the government discusses with us and brings some more facts, we will go through them. If we get an invitation from the UPA to discuss matters related with the nuclear deal, the party will consider it,” said Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh after a meeting with the PM today.

The nuclear deal was, however, not discussed at the meeting, he said.

The SP’s willingness to “negotiate” on the deal marked a departure from its stated position as the party has rejected the deal. “Our position remains firm as stated in the Parliament but if the government brings some extraordinary facts, then we will consider that collectively with our allies in UNPA and colleagues in Left,” said Singh adding, “We are opposed to the deal not because we are blind followers of the Left.”

It was the SP, which had taken the lead in suggesting Kalam’s candidature in the 2002 Presidential election. In 2007, too, it had backed Kalam’s renomination as well.

The SP’s new signal also reflects growing tension with the Left over what it called the “legislative bulldozing” of the Women’s Reservation Bill by the government and the Left. It’s also being seen in political circles as a feeler to the Congress while maintaining a relationship with the Left which can be leveraged after the general elections.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the PM told reporters: “I hope the country will listen to the voices of wisdom.” He said Kalam was “a distinguished scientist and had been intimately involved with the Pokharan explosion”. Asked whether the Left should also listen to the “voices of wisdom”, the PM said, “People should listen to it”.

In an email interview to...