Press
Briefing Monday, 26th July 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
