New Delhi, July 15 : The Samajwadi Party, which has lent crucial support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government after the Left withdrew its support over the India-US nuke deal, refuted on Tuesday horse-trading charges levelled by the communists.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, General Secretary of the SP said if the communists can prove the charge, then he is for severe punishment to the culprits.

“I am surprised at the accusation of accepting 25 crore. General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) A. B. Bardhan is an elderly person and if he is able to prove the charge with evidence then severest possible punishment should be awarded,” said Amar Singh, SP General Secretary.

The deal has already created quite a stir in the country creating an environment of political instability in the wake of Communists withdrawing their support over the controversial nuclear deal.

The government believes it has enough votes to avoid an early election after securing the backing of the SP, but the trust vote on July 22 could turn out to be close.

The government needs to reach the 272 mark in the 543 member Lok Sabha to win the vote.

Singh also bashed senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for triggering religious riots in the country.

“He (L. K. Advani) is a seasoned politician and I respect him personally but I do not concur with his policies of triggering riots or dividing the country in the name of Ram, Amarnath and religion. We are against it,” Singh added.

In a sarcastic rebuttal to Advanis'' charge of describing him as a broker, Amar Singh said Advani was speaking out of frustration as his dream of becoming the Prime Minister has not materialized.

The nuke deal, which has been clouded in controversy but gives India access to the U. S. nuclear fuel and technology, is potentially worth billions of dollars to the U. S. and European nuclear supplier companies and would give India more energy alternatives to drive its development. (ANI)