Sunday, November 13 2005 19:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Lucknow: Stepping up its attack on United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government on the Iran nuclear issue, the Left Parties today (Nov 13, 2005) asked it to change its stand or they would raise the matter in Parliament and put the 'government in the dock'.

Accusing the UPA government of 'surrendering' before 'imperialist USA', CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat said the government would have to clearly state whether it was with the US or the Non-aligned nations.

Addressing a joint public meeting with Samajwadi party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Swatantra Videsh Niti Apnao, Desh bachao' (follow independent foreign policy, save the country), the left party leaders urged the government to follow an independent foreign policy.

Karat termed as 'disgraceful' the government's stand on Iran and asked it to change its position before the November 24 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"If the government does not concede our demand, the matter will be raised in Parliament and we will put it in the dock on the issue", he said.

"It appears that the Manmohan Singh government has finally decided that an independent foreign policy is not required... Has the government decided that it will dance to the tune of the USA, he said insisting that the Centre also explain to people the military pacts with the USA.

Pointing out that "Iran was our friend", Karat denounced USA for "bullying" the country (Iran) and maintained that it has not violated any international law.

Charging that the government did not take its supporting parties into confidence on Iran issue, he said that foreign policies could not be decided in closed rooms.

"I am sure the government will be forced to change its stand if we launch agitation with our collective strength."

Forward block leader Professor Amar Singh termed India's stand on Iran as a political crisis and betrayal of the people.

CPI Polit Buro member Atul Kumar Anjan warned the government tp mend its ways. He, however, said, "although our differences with the UPA government are growing but the situation of showdown has not yet come".

"It is the responsibility of the Centre to avoid a state of confrontation to increase it age," he said terming the stand on Iran as unprecedented".

Mulayam Singh Yadav also accused the UPA government of meekly surrendering to the US on this issue and exhorted the people to be ready for a long battle including a Bharat Bandh.

"We have lost several of our friends owing to meek foreign policy," he said.