Coming down heavily on the media and ?the drumbeaters of the Indian ruling classes?, the CPI(M) on Friday said that the party?s detractors are engaged in ?a scurrilous campaign? against the Left over the Indo-US nuclear deal issue.
Questioning the government?s argument that the deal would address India?s growing energy needs, the party termed the allegation that it was opposing the deal at the behest of China as ?analytical bankruptcy?. In an editorial written in the CPI(M)?s mouthpiece People?s Democracy, politburo member Sitaram Yechury reiterated that his party will not allow ?erosion of our hard won sovereignty and independence?.
?As of 2005, nuclear power generation was 3,310 mw or a mere 2.5% of India?s total power generation capacity. Now, if this was to increase to 10,000 mw by the year 2015 as planned, this would still be only 5-7% of India?s projected capacity generation then. Thus, this deal and the attendant consequences to India?s sovereignty and foreign policy are being undertaken for such a miniscule part of our power generation,? the editorial said.