Pranab, Yechury discuss n-deal

CPI-M LEADER Sitaram Yechury’s meeting with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and the following silence from both sides have fuelled suggestions that the nuclear deal is on track.

The meeting took place soon after the Budget, which was widely described as a poll-oriented one, indicating the Congress willingness to face the electorate. Yechury and Mukherjee, the key interlocutors for the Left and the Congress, held the discussions even as the Indian officials are talking to the IAEA to conclude an India-specific nuclear safeguard, the next step in the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The Left had let the Government proceed with IAEA talks with the condition that the developments would be reported back to the Left-UPA coordination committee. Mukherjee’s meeting with Yechury attains significance in this context. The Government has to put the Union Budget to vote on May 24 and requires the support of the Left to pass it. CPI-M and CPI have their party Congresses in the end of March. If the Government wants to push ahead with the deal in the event of continuing Left opposition, it could be possible only after the Budget is passed.