Lalu: N-deal essential, but inflation more important

At the meeting too, Lalu kept urging the Congress and Left leaders to reach a compromise and save the Government. It was learnt that he even suggested that India could obtain uranium from other countries like Russia and France, instead of focussing on America.

•What happened at the meeting? Did you arrive at a compromise formula?

The Left remained fixated on its stand. The Government and we (allies) still feel that the Indo-US nuclear deal is in the larger interest of the country and it should be clinched.

But nobody wants an early election and therefore, efforts are on to reach a compromise. I am still hopeful that the crisis will not precipitate and elections will be held on time.

•How is it possible when both sides (Government and Left) remain adamant on their stand?

It is possible since nobody wants to face an election at this juncture. Inflation — I mean, price rise is a much bigger issue now. It must be controlled before we seek a fresh mandate from the electorate.

•What is the stand of your party and other allies?

We are with the Government and the deal. It is essential for the country’s future. On the other side, however, inflation has cropped up. We are caught between the two. The country needs energy, and for that the deal is important. But inflation is a much more pressing issue affecting the common masses. It has to be reined in.

•So what is the way out?

Consultations will continue. We want nuclear energy but it can be procured from other countries too, other than the US. You know the Left cannot stand America.

Discussions between the UPA-Left are over but the findings are still to be finalised. It will take time, and in between talks, will continue to find a way out. I am hopeful that elections will be held on time.