BJP: Delay in PM146;s statement affecting stock market

Unsure how the serious differences within the ruling alliance over the nuclear deal will play out, the BJP is trying to score some brownie points for itself.

Unsure how the serious differences within the ruling alliance over the nuclear deal will play out, the BJP is trying to score some brownie points for itself. The party said the uncertainty8212;particularly the delay in the Prime Minister8217;s statement on the deal in Parliament8212;is causing turbulence in the stock market. It also suspects that a 8220;heavy dose of Muslim appeasement8221; will follow.

8220;This delay has created uncertainty in the country. The Sensex has plummeted. There is uncertainty in economic and other fields. He should make the statement as soon as possible,8221; senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra said.

The BJP, which is trying to balance its pro-America approach and its publicly stated opposition to the Indo-US nuclear deal, feels the party is losing relevance in the tussle between the Left and the UPA. The party, which had earlier stated that the nuke deal was not a domestic affair to be settled between the Congress and Left, on Friday demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh disclose to Parliament how his Government would address concerns raised by the Left. 8220;The PM should take Parliament and the nation into confidence about his talks with the Left,8221; Malhotra said.

Malhotra maintained that his party would vociferously raise its objections in Parliament over what it sees as a possible impact the nuclear deal would have on India8217;s strategic options. He said the Opposition would be satisfied only if Singh renegotiates the pact with the US in the light of the objections raised over the India-specific Hyde Act.

Malhotra also accused the Government of planning a 8220;heavy dose of Muslim appeasement8221;. He said the BJP would seek a debate in Parliament on the Sachar Committee since the Government was planning an 8220;overdrive in Muslim welfare schemes8221;.

8220;The Government is trying to cover up the loss of Muslim support, which it has suffered because of 123. It is trying to come out with a heavy dose of appeasement measures. There should be a debate in Parliament on this.8221; The BJP would also seek a discussion on prices, farm issues and internal security.