Karat: ‘Sense’ of House is in stopping deal

The CPI-M’s general secretary Prakash Karat says the “sense” of the nuclear debate is that the deal with the United States should be put to a stop.

The CPI-M’s general secretary Prakash Karat said the “sense” of the nuclear debate is that the deal with the United States should be put to a stop. Moves to operationalize the agreement would amount to showing disrespect to Parliament and the essential tenants of democracy, he said.

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External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s argument that the sense of the House could be taken only after completion of the process would mean Parliament has no say except to have an academic debate on the issue, Karat has said in an article to be published in the December 9 issue of party organ People's Democracy.

Mukherjee’s assertions are not good enough, Karat says, adding that Parliament has repeatedly discussed the deal at different stages. And at every stage, despite the majority view against the deal, the government has gone ahead with it.