Random Thoughts

Smelling Conspiracy: Is the US atomic interest putting pressure on India to pursue nuclear energy vision?

The Wikileaks on 'Cash for Vote' related to Indian politics couldn't have been 'leaked' at a time more opportune than this.

The internal discomfort over the pursuit of nuclear energy in India is mounting. It reached its crescendo after nuc reactors started exploding in Japan in the aftermath of a strong earthquake last week.

Certain social groups were long voicing discontent against the planned nuclear plant at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, a western state of India with Mumbai as its capital.The decibles have soared following the imminent danger of nuclear radiation in Japan. Several newspapers in India have raised question over the viability of nuclear plants as an option to meet the country's growing energy demand.

Amidst the chaos, Wikileaks 'leaked' the news that the existing Congress government in India had offered cash to win the Vote of Confidence two years ago to survive the confidence motion. That time opposition parties had condemned Congress's plans to sign a nuclear power pact with the US. Several political parties that had helped Congress to run the government had threatened to call off support had it signed the treaty.

Congress survived the motion amidst allegations of bribing the fellow members of parliament to win votes. Wikileaks's latest leaks offer some more insights to these allegations but the timing of the leaks stokes suspicion.

Is Wikileaks information used to put pressure on Congress to keep pursuing the nuclear power plans despite public hue and cry? Perhaps American agencies are worried that Indian Congress may change its mind on the use of nuclear power after taking cues from the hapless situation in Japan.

Labels: Conspiracy

posted by Ranjit @ 3/19/2011 01:06:00 pm