Verbal dual between PM and Advani over change in policy towards Pakistan under the US Pressure
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, March 03, 2010
Manmohan Singh in Parliament
The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday strongly rejected the BJP's allegation that India Pakistan talks were held under US pressure. Dr Singh intervened several times during the over 75 minute long speech of seniour BJP Leader LK Advani.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh asserted that there is no change in the US policy towards India and Pakistan after Barack Obama took over as the President.
Mr. Advani had said that the US President Barack Obama had promised to solve the Kashmir issue during his campaigning.
He also alleged that now government has resumed talks with Pakistan as it was under pressure from the US. He said that previous administration had maintained that they would not mediate between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir.
Prime Minister intervened Mr. Advani at least five times because of the serious nature of allegations.
He said, "Whenever I met President Obama, he always affirmed that there is no change in the US policy vis-à-vis India and Pakistan."
He also countered Mr. Advani's remarks on one rank one pension for armed forces. Dr. Manmohan Singh accused Mr. Advani of sowing seeds between the government and services on the issue.
There was a heated exchange of words between the Prime Minister and NDA's Prime Ministerial candidate in the last general election.
