Pranab Mukherjee claims support of 276 MPs

While strongly supporting the government on Indo-US nuclear deal and trust motion, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee claimed in Lok Sabha that UPA government has 276 MPs, which is five more than the required number to win the trust vote. "We have simple majority in Lok Sabha", he said. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee strongly criticised the parties that have turned against the UPA government.

Mr. Mukherjee said that nuclear deal will end India's 30-year nuclear isolation on the global arena. "Getting into IAEA and NSG are the passport and visa to enter the nuclear club", he said. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee praised PM Dr. Manmohan Singh for his vision on nuclear deal. He slammed the BJP saying it did nothing for the country when it was in power. Mr. Mukherjee said that only nuclear energy had the potential to bridge the energy deficit in the country.