Lok Jan Shakti party chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday expressed confidence that the UPA government would not collapse even if the Left parties withdraw their support to it on the controversial Indo-US nuclear deal.

 ''I am optimistic that the government would complete its full term and there was no threat to it,'' he told mediapersons, adding that the deal was in the interest of the nation and there was no need to pull down the government on the issue.

 Speaking on the sidelines of the International Convention of the Indian Dalits and Minorities in New York, Paswan said, ''Whatever decision the government takes on the nuclear deal, I support the prime minister.''

 He conveyed the same to Congress president Sonia Gandhi [Images] also before leaving New Delhi for New York, the LJS chief said.

 Paswan said his party was against any confrontation with the Left on the issue and efforts should be made to settle the matter amicably and mutually, he added.

 Talking about the recent political developments Paswan said he favoured reconciliation between the Congress and the Samajvadi Party (SP) and always supported the proposal to have close ties with the SP.

 Criticising Bhahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati, he said she is an opportunist politician, who always blackmails other political parties for her personal gains. 

Paswan also said his party was ready for elections even if they held ahead of the schedule.