Rahul Gandhi defends nuclear deal

New Delhi: Parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi stoutly defend the contentious Indo-US nuclear deal on Tuesday as India prepared for a vote of confidence on the issue.

Watched by mother Sonia Gandhi, national president of the ruling Congress party, Rahul's speech was disrupted several times by an agitated opposition.

Unruffled, he spoke extempore and underlined need for energy security asserting it was prerequisite for India's economic growth.

“I am speaking as an Indian and not as a member of a particular (political) party,'' Rahul said while underlying that nuclear energy was closely linked with the scourge of poverty.
Touted as the future prime minister of the country, sister Priyanka and brother-in-law Robert Vadra watched Rahul speak from the visitors' gallery.

“Energy is required to sustain 9 plus per cent growth of Indian economy. It is essential for ameliorating the conditions of the poor and generate employment by helping the industry to grow. Without energy (India's) growth will stop and affect our capacity to remove poverty,'' Rahul said.

The vote on the motion, which will decide the fate of a civilian nuclear deal with the United States and could trigger a snap election, will then follow.

Earlier, BSP lawmaker Brajesh Pathak created a future in the Lok Sabha by alleging he was threatened to either vote for the government or abstain during the voting on trust motion.

Pathak, who represents Unnao constituency, informed the House when it met after the lunch recess that he was approached by someone as he was leaving his house for Parliament. The visitor identified himself as a CBI officer.

“He told me to either vote in favour of the government or abstain. In lieu, he said the CBI would dilute cases against my party chief Mayawati or else she would be arrested soon,'' Pathak alleged.

The allegation created pandemonium in the House. Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatter instantly instructed Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was present in the House, to have the matter investigated and ensure all lawmakers get protection so that they are not stopped from exercising their right to vote.