Press Briefing Wednesday, 16th Sep 2009

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.

To a question that one of the Ministers said that he will travel "cattle class" to show solidarity with "holy cow". Does the congress party think common people are cattles or was he making fun of Shri Rahul Gandhi by describing him as 'holy cow', Smt. Natarajan said that she has seen that remark and the congress party strongly disapproves of the expression which was used. The expression "cattle class" may be slang or jargon but we find it unacceptable. Smt. Natarajan said that thousands of people travel by economy class. This will offend political or any other sensible and perhaps being new to politics the Minister was unaware of it but we do not approve of this articulation and we do not endorse. Finally it is unacceptable and we do not approve.

To a further question related to the security of Shri Rahul Gandhi by traveling in a train, Smt. Natarajan said that keeping in view yesterday's incident, it seems to be the handiwork of some youngsters but naturally while the Congress President and her commitment to austerity is something the party is pursuing, the security concerns of SPG protectees are of course paramount and will be kept in mind.

To a question related to security arising out of yesterday's stone throwing incident whether Congress President and Shri Rahul Gandhi, both of whom are SPG protectees, will they now stop traveling economy class, Smt. Natarajan that this is really something on which she does not have any information. She further said that while our commitment to austerity stands, the security of all SPG protectees is very important and surely we will take a view keeping in view these facts.

To a question whether the party is going to take any disciplinary action against the Minister, Smt. Natarajan said that it is for the High command to decide.

To a further related question that the Minister has insulted the "aam aadmi" of the country by making such remark, Smt. Natarajan said that the congress party does not approve and we find it unacceptable and further we find this articulation as unacceptable and insensitive.

With regard to the question of alliance with the NCP in the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly elections, Smt. Natarajan said still the discussions are going on and as soon as we have something to share, we will make the announcement.

On the question of several Ministers spending lot of money on the renovation of their offices, Smt. Natarajan said that the concerned Ministers have already replied this question. She further added that the Congress party will adhere to the norms of austerity.

On the question of any development with regard to the appointment of Chief Minister in Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Natarajan said that there is a Chief Minister who is the CLP leader at this point of time. As soon it happens, you will come to know of the same.

Further on the question of the reaction of yesterday's stone throwing on the train in which Shri Rahul Ganbdhi was traveling, Smt. Natarajan said this is the matter that concerns the security and she is sure his security will take note of all measures to maintain the level of security at the required level.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC