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Rediff.com  » News » Kalam hasn't changed stand on N-deal: Congress

Kalam hasn't changed stand on N-deal: Congress

By Onkar Singh in New Delhi
July 14, 2008 23:10 IST
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The Congress on Monday denied Bharatiya Janata Party's leaders' allegation that former president A PJ Abdul Kalam changed his stance on Indo-US civil nuclear deal only to give a reason to the Samajwadi Party to support the Manmohan Singh's government and prevent it from falling.

"This is utterly nonsense. He has never changed his stand. In fact, he had been writing articles in favour of the deal for a long time," a senior leader of the party told a group of journalists on Monday evening.

The party leader said the session called by President Pratibha Patil could last three days as some of the members of Parliament (five from Congress and one from BJP) cannot vote withough the court order.

"Supposing the high court turns down the bail application, we would have to move the Supreme Court as every single vote is important. As far as Shiromani Akali Dal is concerned their views would be known by tommorow," the senior Congress leader said.

According to him, Dr Singh is more relaxed after his trip to Japan.

"His statement to Manni Chatterjee that the Left can withdraw support if it so desires had the desired impact and the Left reacted just as Dr Singh had expected," said a minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

All parties have formed core groups to gather support for the government and against the government.

"The battle is going to be tough. Even tougher than when we had to save Rao's minority government. Those who know that they may be denied tickets may switch sides. This is true of all the parties. Such parliamentarians would cross floor and parties like the United Progressive Alliance could offer them better deals," he said.

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Onkar Singh in New Delhi