Jhajjar (Haryana): In a sharp but veiled attack on the Left, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today strongly defended the Indo-US nuclear deal and said that "elements" opposed to the country's progress were enemies not only of the Congress but also of the nation's development.

As expected there was a sharp reaction from the left, with the CPI saying the Congress is forcing elections. "We must understand that such elements are not only the enemies of Congress but they are also enemies of progress and development.

We have to give them a strong and befitting reply", she told a public meeting at Jharli village after laying the foundation of a power plant. While the Congress President had defended the deal earlier also, she has so far refrained from criticizing those opposed to it. Her statement is indicative of the fact that the Congress-Left logjam over the deal persists.

Gandhi said supply of power has to keep pace with that of development for which there is a high requirement of power in every part of the country. "We are trying at every level to meet our energy needs. That is why there is a proposal for nuclear agreement with the US", she said.

The Congress chief said an "unnecessary controversy" has been raked up over Lord Ram. "Congress party has always wanted that all the religions be given equal respect.

The party had never desired to do anything which would hurt the religious sentiments. We have to work together to resolve this issue", Gandhi said.

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