History will decide if I am weak: Manmohan

Ashok Kumar (Expressindia.com)Posted online: Nov 22, 2008 at 2020 hrs

New Delhi, August 17: : It was the same Prime Minister but a different Manmohan Singh on Thursday in Rajya Sabha when the premier of the country was addressing the Upper House on the nuke deal.

The man who was always considered to be a novice in the political affairs started his speech with the very acceptance that he has been a late entrant to the political field.

Having said that, the PM then took a different course, something which was apparently aimed at, not only pacifying the complaining Left but also to spring a surprise on the Opposition benches. His strong conviction coming straight from the heart belied his novelty in the business of politics.

The vigour with which he spoke not only encouraged his party members to applaud him continuously by regular patting on the benches but he also made it clear that his words will not only reach the listeners but also pierce through. This he managed by disclosing his humble background and the revolutionary decisions which he took in his earlier stints as the Finance Minister and varied capacities.

Manmohan ensured to provide ample illustrations to support his strong and emotional words and to prove that his expressions are not hollow claims which is why he asserted in a challenging way, let history decide how tough I am as the Prime Minister of the country.

Nonetheless, Manmohan made it clear that his political novelty cannot prevent him form taking decisions which will put the country on the path of development. Citing other reforms which he ushered in the economic field, he said that the only constant is change and one cannot shy away from this eternal truth.

Admitting that there is risk to all kind of reforms he said he was confident of taking this decision to ensure the power security in the country. He elaborated that the sole motivation of nuclear programme is to generate energy as the threat of insecurity is always looming large over the energy supply from the conventional sources.

Allaying fears arising out of the deal on the autonomous nuclear policy Manmohan Singh assured the House in clear terms that the country will not agree to any dilution which will lead to the undermining of the nuclear policy. He said that the nuclear deal is guided by the July 2005 statement.

He asserted that we respect the autonomy of our nuclear scientists and establishments; as such there will be no curbs on India’s nuclear programme. Looking fully convinced the Prime Minister said that he does not feel the need to apologise for the close relations with the United States. He also clarified that India will not join the non proliferation treaty as a non nuclear weapon state.