Centre should have consulted allies: IUML

Putting Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed in a spot, his party—the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)—on Monday

Putting Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed in a spot, his party—the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)—on Monday said comprehensive consultations with allies and supporters prior to signing the nuclear deal could have averted the present crisis.

“The text of the agreement was revealed only days after the pact was signed. The Government should acknowledge that there are serious concerns regarding the deal,” IUML President G M Banatwalla told reporters in Chennai.

Asked about the IUML’s move in the event of Centre going ahead with the deal, he said, “Let us see what is the outcome. Then, we will take a decision.” However, the question of withdrawal of support to the UPA Government did not arise at the national executive meeting of the party on Sunday, he added.

Expressing “apprehension” over India’s “growing relations” with the United States and Israel, Banatwalla said strategic military proximity with America would affect New Delhi’s independent foreign policy and commitment to the non-aligned movement.

The country’s “collaboration” with Israel seriously impaired and undermined its consistent and age-old support to Palestinians and their cause, he said. Banatwalla urged the Government to table report of Justice Ranganathan Mishra Commission on Linguistic and Religious Minorities in Parliament without further delay.