Press Briefing Wednesday, 18th Nov 2009

Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.

Shri Singhvi said that he has no doubt that as we enter into the second session of Parliament which is significantly new after the general elections, we will continue to try to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy. The highest traditions of constructive albeit vigorous critical even denouncing debate. Nobody in the least is opposing or scared or against debate on any issue in any form. It should not lead to disruptive practices, delays; loss of time, walk-outs, boycotts and so on and so forth. We are aware and the nation is aware that some of our friends in the opposition are going through troubled times. These are their moments of crisis. These are their moments where internal tsunami may lead them to try to deflect the attention of the nation by resorting to negative, disruptive non-productive tactics in and out of parliament. That would be most unfortunate and extremely regrettable. We have set a recent milestone even purely in terms of quantity and number of Acts and Bills passed and number of discussions held in June 2009 session. Parliament, of course, is not only about quantity, it is very much about quality of debate as well. But on both fronts, the new approach, which we have seen in the recent session, must be made into the rule of the parliamentary proceedings and disruption should slowly become a rare aberration. We hope and trust that it is this spirit which will animate all parties especially opposition and with that he has no doubt that the country will not only endorse and support but most importantly we will be giving meaning to both the words. We would not only be a proud democracy but we are and should be parliamentary democracy. Those are not one but two words.

On the question of how serious the Congress party is about Women's Reservation Bill, Shri Singhvi said with all humility that there is no party which has thought of or has been more serious about this bill. He says with all emphasis at his command that our intentions are clear, our objective is clear and our full vigor support is clear. Equally he cannot stand guarantee for what happens inside Parliament. shri Singhvi further said that he does not see any reason why constructive reasonable politics should not mean the definite passage of this Bill in this session. That is our unequivocal commitment and ultimately that commitment has to come from every corner of the House. We still do not run a majority Government.

On the question how does the Congress party see the joint statement of US and China, Shri Singhvi said that it has absolutely no impact of the slightest change on not only India's stand, India's foreign policy and India's thinking? He also believes that perhaps too much is being read. We believe that there is absolutely no change in US or China's policy towards us. Perhaps in the course of a speech or a general statement, obviously if what is intended is being said, if what is suggested in the press is intended, then obviously it would be objectionable. But we have no material and no basis to say. Shri Singhvi suggested the media not to react hastily. The Indo US relations are based on much surer and more solid foundation than an interpretation of a casual remark in a speech and he agrees with the media that if it is so, we must wait and if this is carried forward in any meaningful way against the established Indo-US stand that is the time to react.

On the question whether India is more vulnerable vis-vis China, Shri Singhvi said that if media thinks that a proud solid powerful democracy like India, you can apply adjective 'vulnerable' on remarks reported with the interpretation of the Press, then he thinks the media is doing less than full justice to India, you are perhaps insulting the very foundation of a very strong powerful India but more than that of a very strong powerful Indo-US relation bedrock.

On the question of BJP taking up the issue of price rise and Madhu Koda case, Shri Singhvi said that the entire burden of his opening remarks was to emphasize that we welcome discussion on all topics. The point is that BJP has a track record between 2004 and 2009 of disruptions, loss of time, walk-outs and boycotts. It is for that reason that he was denouncing and criticizing. In June this year, the media had witnessed the example of constructive, decision making decisive quick Parliament and that happens and can happen only when the opposition does not indulge in disruption. It is all very well to say that Parliament can run only when the party in power runs it. Well the party in power does not want to run it unilaterally; it does not have to pass 17 bills in 17 minutes.

On the question of sugar cane prices and the MSP likely to be raised by the BJP and the RJD in the current session of parliament, shri Singhvi said that one has to appreciate the essence and the spirit of democracy to the extent that assembly demonstration is permitted either within or around Parliament, nobody can have objection to the democratic peaceful assertions of democratic rights. But the important point is that it must not be allowed to snow-ball into a situation where the content of parliamentary discussion inside the house is obstructed or diluted. That is the bottom line.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC