In an unusual comment, the Afghan Taliban praised India as a “significant country” and said it had done well to resist American calls for greater military involv-ement in Afghanistan.
“No doubt India is a significant country in the region... They are aware of Afghans’ aspirations, creeds and love for freedom. It is totally illogical they should plunge their nation into a calamity just for American pleasure,” the Taliban said.
The group, accused of repeatedly targeting India’s interests in Afghanistan, praised India for sending US defence secretary Leon Panetta “empty handed towards Kabul”.
The Taliban said Mr Panetta on a recent visit encouraged New Delhi to take a more active role in Afghan-istan, but failed to “gain any success or progress in his efforts”
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Lalu hopes for Cabinet entry after prez race
Manish Anand
New Delhi, June 17
While the Samajwadi Party claims credit for pulling strings to secure finance minister Pranab Mukherjee’s presidential nomination, the RJD is optimistic that party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav could soon become a Union Cabinet minister. RJD leaders feel that following Mr Mukherhee’s exit from the treasury benches, Mr Yadav could give the UPA-2 government “solidity” to face Opposition onslaug-hts.
“A Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards after the presidential election. The reshuffle will surely reflect a political realignment as the UPA prepares to face the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominence given Mr Yadav at the UPA dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has instilled hope that the RJD will soon be represented in the ruling alliance at the Centre,” a senior RJD leader said.
The Congress has, however, so far given no indication of inviting other parties to join the UPA.