Press Briefing Monday, 26th Jul 2010

Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.

Shri Abhishek Singhvi said we hope and trust that the opposition especially the BJP, will allow Parliament to function in a constructive, harmonious and productive spirit. We are saying this in particular because we have advance intimation of disruption and obstruction and we hope that no such advance declarations will be carried out. We can assure the opposition and the country at large that there is no issue - none at all - which is excluded from vibrant discussion and that is genuinely considered to be heart and soul of democracy and of the temple of democracy, which is Parliament. But we have had reason to believe that unnecessary attempts will be made to disrupt the working of Parliament. Unfortunately the track record, the direct figures and statistics in this regard since 2004 demonstrate precious loss of parliamentary time due to the acts and omissions of the BJP in particular and the opposition in general. Unfortunately that track record does not inspire confidence. This pre-determined attitude, is unfortunate.

Shri Abhishek Singhvi said we hope and trust that the churlishness displayed on Friday will not be become a matter of habit. We sincerely believe that pettiness, is not attributes of a vibrant democracy like India. The main difference between us and many of our neighbours is that we take pride and are able to meet each other, to talk to each other, to connect with each other and to disagree with each other and we should keep that essential spirit alive.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party on the statement of the Sugar Mill Association that price of sugar is going to be further hiked, Shri Singhvi said that we do not feel appropriate to offer any comment on the statements of the individuals or Associations. He further added that the supply of sugar is gradually easing; there should be no cause of worry.

On the question of the opposition seeking adjournment motion on price rise issue, Shri Singhvi said as far as adjournment motion is concerned, I do not think our stand has changed in any manner from the decision taken just a few months ago. Ultimately, these are matters to be decided not only by the Business Advisory Committee but also by the Chair of the respective Houses. In that decision, the entire Parliament ultimately has to defer, agree and go on. A decision on such requests cannot be to everybody's agreement or liking. Ultimately if a particular form and method is allowed by the Chair of the relevant House, the Parliament has to follow that. No Member or party can insist on a particular modality. The issue is important, the issue will be discussed, and we are ready in any manner. We are not discussing the merits now. But the modality and the manner of discussing the issue is not to be decided by you, me or a party. It has to be decided by the relevant rules and procedures - ultimately bindingly decided by the Chair of the House.

On the reaction of the Congress Party on the statement of Nitin Gadkari on Sohrabuddin issue, Shri Singhvi said that Mr. Gadkari should submit all the details to the Supreme Court, to the CBI and to the CBI designated Court which he is submitting to the Press. If any evidence relevant to the on-going criminal case is available, even to the Court, it will be looked into. It was on the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the investigation in this case was ordered to be reopened. What is preventing the BJP to produce the so-called relevant evidence available with them before the Apex Court? Shri Singhvi further added that till today there is no indictment of the Andhra Pradesh or its agencies either by any investigating agency or by any action taken report or by the Supreme Court, Yes, if you have the evidence which the BJP is excited about, let them place it before the designated Court.

On the reaction of the Congress Party over disqualification of MP from Kerala for production of false certificate, Shri Singhvi said, he has been disqualified and he is going to take recourse to law.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC