'BJP, Left have 'blinkered vision' on nuke bill'

The Congress insisted on Monday that the nuclear liability bill was in "public interest" in tune with international paradigms and attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and Left parties for opposing it, saying they had "blinkered vision".

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the opposition to the bill was based on "misconceptions" but evaded a direct reply when asked whether his party favours an increase in the amount of compensation that is proposed to be capped at Rs 500 crore. "Those opposing the bill have a blinkered vision. This is a public interest measure taken in tune with international paradigms," Singhvi told media persons in New Delhi. His comment came in response to a volley of questions regarding opposition by the Left and BJP to the bill even as the centre has expressed its readiness to look at "genuine" issues which the opposition might raise over the proposed legislation.

Singhvi said the bill is an attempt to ensure that the claimant does not have to prove negligence before getting compensation in the eventuality of any nuclear incident. It "does not exclude further criminal liability" and provides a three-tier compensation, he said. Asked whether Congress favours some increase in the quantum of compensation, he evaded a direct reply, saying it is a "premature question" and the party would not like to jump the gun.

Meanwhile, a senior All Indian Congress Committee functionary rubbished reports of differences between the party and the government over the bill saying Congress and the government share same views on all issues. Asked why the government is not going ahead with the bill in Lok Sabha where the UPA has the majority, he said, "it is always better to take all along in a democracy."