JOIN USSupported by BJP and Shiv Sena members, CPM MPs said the cable quoted David C Mulford, then US Ambassador saying there was an “undeniable pro-American tilt” during that Cabinet reshuffle. Led by P Rajeeve and Brinda Karat, the CPM said Mulford had described a change in the Petroleum portfolio as a “determination to ensure that US-India relations continue to move ahead rapidly.”
The MPs referred to former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who was seen by the US as “contentious and outspoken Iran pipeline advocate.” They said the American embassy cables reveal the government’s pro-US stand on several issues. Amid shouts of “shame” Rajeeve said the US felt the net effect of the Cabinet reshuffle was “likely to be excellent for US goals in India (and Iran).”
There was also a reference in the cables to the inclusion of Saifuddin Soz, Anand Sharma, Ashwani Kumar and Kapil Sibal “with strong pro-US credentials,” he pointed out. However, the Congress rejected the authenticity of the leaked cables, describing them as “sensation”.
Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said if political parties or the country was to react to these “sensational tid bits”, “this country's democracy, its spirit, its stability would be diminished.” The BJP demanded the government clarify its stand on the issue.