Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), July 17 : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi today strongly defended the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation deal at a public rally in Nellore.

Justifying the deal, Gandhi said, “The demand for electricity is increasing in India, and to cater to that demand, more nuclear plants are needed.”

With five days to go for the floor test in the Parliament, Gandhi sought to reach out to the

people, and convince them about the benefits of the nuclear deal.

"We are being accused of going against the country. But the deal is important for the

nation,” she said.

"More nuclear power plants need to be established in the country so that we can generate

more power,” Gandhi said and added, “We need access to the latest nuclear technologies

throughout the country".

She also said, "We do not need any certificate from any party or anybody on our

interests, on our patriotism and on issues of our country".

“The UPA Government will never compromise on nuclear programme, national security and independent foreign policy,” she further added.

The Congress president also launched the second phase of ''Rajiv Arogya Sri'', a health

insurance scheme for the poor, earlier in the day. (ANI)