RSS backs Advani on nuke deal

Advani had told The Indian Express on Sunday that 8220;there is no problem with the 123 agreement8221;, if the Government addressed the concerns of the party through amendments in Indian domestic laws. Advani8217;s statement has created a flutter in the party, as many leaders who were uncomfortable with the original positioning that closely aligned the party with the Left and regional outfits found encouragement to push for amends.

Advani will lead the parliamentary debate for the BJP and is expected to outline the possible amendments in Indian laws that could reassure the party that India8217;s right to test is protected and fuel supply for India8217;s nuclear power projects will not be disrupted. He will also elaborate on his party8217;s attitude towards the US.

The source said multiple factors forced a rethink on BJP8217;s opposition to the deal. One, it made the BJP sound like the Left, making its urban middle class constituency uncomfortable. Two, the BJP supports strategic partnership with the US. Finally, the party felt the 20 lakh-odd Indians in the US8212;who are largely BJP8217;s supporters8212;were annoyed with the stand.