Press Briefing Monday, 10th May 2010

Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.

Shri Abhishek Singhvi said that we have been watching with some interest and not little amusement the curious happenings in Jharkhand. There is an utter disregard for the people of Jharkhand and for the common good in the manner in which political antics are being played out in that State. You have seen that as a responsible political party, despite invitations to the contrary, we have maintained a responsible distance and not allowed ourselves, our hands, to be muddied with these goings-on; but the people of Jharkhand and the people of India have a legitimate right to know how is it that there is no explanation about the vote of the Jharkhand Chief Minister in the cut-motion? How is it that thereafter there is a withdrawal of support ! How is that thereafter there is a withdrawal of withdrawal by the BJP ! Thereafter as a fourth step, there is talk of rotation and sharing the spoils. Thereafter, as a fifth step, there is a talk of a JMM Chief Minister only or a tribal Chief Minister only and finally, there is a talk of a BJP Chief Minister only. The Congress Party is not interested in dirtying its hands with this dirty brand of politics; but the Congress Party is entitled and therefore, through you, asks this legitimate question on behalf of the people of India. Who is accountable in Jharkhand? What happens to days and weeks of non-governance and mis-governance? What is the clear message of greed for pulp, power and position displayed by all the principal actors in this drama? These are the issues of accountability in a democracy and apart from deafening and eloquent silence, we get no reply. This is also without saying so, needless to add, the extreme form of opportunism and hypocrisy, which you are seeing yet once more as an example of BJP politics.

On a question whether UPA-II is facing more problems as compared to UPA-I with particular reference to Mr. Jairam Ramesh's statement and the Prime Minister telling the Ministers to behave; Shri Singhvi said that the Prime Minister and the PMO has clarified that it is not appreciated that Ministers comment on other Departments or other Ministries or other subjects and especially and particularly when they are on foreign soil. That is very clear from the statement. As far as Congress Party is concerned, we have, of course, no hesitation in recognizing and endorsing that statement and adding that even within the country domestically, there should be no occasion to air differences about other Ministries and certainly there cannot be an occasion to do so on foreign soil. Equally there is enough forays, be it in the Government and the Council of Ministers or in the party enough opportunities, enough foray to express and state such views if any, if necessary and if legitimate; but certainly it is not right or permissible to do so in this manner.  Shri Singhvi further said that the Congress Party does not approve the contents of the statement.

On the question of Khap Panchayats, Shri Singhvi said that individual persons can have different opinions and at the moment you have got only an expression of an opinion by an  Hon'ble Member of Parliament. That does not in the least mean that there is any change in the Congress Party's approach to the subject. The Congress Party's stand is crystal clear. The stand of the Congress Party is that no customary law, no customary practice can possibly be excused or condoned in any manner if it involves either a violation of any law of the land or involves violence by humans against humans or involves killing of any kind in the name of honour, tradition, heritage and customs. This is as categorical stand as anybody can take. Certainly in a democracy, every other point of view contrary to this view point can be made, can be heard; but it does not mean that this stand is in any manner diluted or changed.

To another question of free for all involving senior leaders of the allies of the Congress Party and whether it can be attributed to internal democracy or will you attribute it to lack of control; Shri Singhvi said that there is certainly a very wide spectrum of free thinking and democracy in our party at all levels. Equally every time an inappropriate comment has been made, you have found us from this podium very categorical and clear and you are forgetting that for each such comment, our comment from this podium has been equally prompt and equally clear. As far as specific question of our allies is concerned; yes, in a democracy in alliances, sometimes some difference or small static can be heard; please do not give it undue importance. We do not find it necessary to comment upon our allies' comments or to criticize our allies. These happen once in a while but they do not affect the stability, the continuity and the strength of the strong alliance.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC