Opp. wants PM to speak on Bhopal
The BJP and other Opposition members rocked the Lok Sabha early on Thursday demanding explanation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a US government official’s email warning to the Indian government of the “chilling” effects the Bhopal Tragedy compensation issue would have on Indo-US trade ties.
The ruling Congress, however, later denied all allegations saying it has not succumbed under United States pressure to agree to take the heat off Dow Chemicals in relation to the matter. It also added that the government would act to secure adequate financial aid for all victims of the tragedy.
Pouncing on the reported email communication between deputy chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and US deputy national security adviser Michael Froman, the Opposition parties raised the issue claiming that it proved how US government was arm twisting the Indian government to “go easy” on Dow chemicals, the American company liable for the Bhopal leak via its subsidiary, Union Carbide in India.
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‘Hope to take PM to Games venues soon’
Age correspondent
New Delhi
Aug. 19: Sports minister M.S. Gill on Thursday said he hopes to take Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to inspect some of the venues of Commonwealth Games (CWG) next week, amidst reports of alleged financial irregularities in the Games preparations as well as delay in completion of some of the venues.
Replying to supplementaries in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, sports minister Mr Gill said, “Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell has seen (the venues) and I hope to take Prime Minister (to the venues) next week.” Responding to questions on irregularities in tendering and award for construction of the venues, Mr Gill said the Prime Minister has already stated that the guilty if any will not be spared.
The venues, he said, are ready and only temporary fitting works are being carried out now.
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