Press Briefing
Friday, 30th September 2011
Smt. Renuka
Chowdhary addressed the media today.
Smt. Renuka Chowdhary said we continue to look
at the losses that we have suffered amongst our
citizens in Sikkim. Evacuation processes are
still on. We still discover bodies and our heart
goes out to those families who have lost their
loved ones and also we send our support to all
the rescuers who are working there relentlessly.
Some people have taken on campaigns to help
bring relief and support to the victims and I
think they should be appreciated for their
efforts that are being done.
On the question of reaction of the Congress
party on the statement given by the Home
Minister that nothing has been decided yet with
regard to creation of Telengana, Smt. Chowdhary
said the decision will be taken at appropriate
time and the General Secretary In-charge Andhra
Pradesh is engaged in discussing the issue with
the stakeholders. Smt. Chowdhary further said
that she is not aware whether he has submitted
any report in that regard. Let things take its
natural course.
On the question of Baba Ramdev appealing the
electorate not to vote for the Congress party
because it is a corrupt party; Smt. Chowdhary
said it does not make any difference to us. We
will see and watch if he comes out to contest
any such elections and then see who votes for
whom.
To another question on the ongoing national
executive of BJP where there is debate amongst
themselves over the issue of the Prime
Ministerial candidate in the next Lok Sabha
elections, Smt. Chowdhary said it is for the
people to see that they are only discussing over
the Prime Ministerial candidate and are not
bothered to discuss the issues concerning the
public which shows their insensitiveness towards
the electorate. They are exposing themselves and
showing their true colours.
On another question whether the Congress party
is satisfied over the truce reached yesterday
between the two senior Ministers and further
that the BJP is still demanding the resignation
of the Home Minister, Smt. Chowdhary said I
think we should learn to take it with the grace
that it was with two very senior and matured
Ministers. Smt. Chowdhary further said it does
not mean that we should agree to what BJP
wishes. First they should set their own house in
order. These are mere cheap diversionary tactics
of a politically bankrupt party.
On the question of the reaction of the Congress
party over the text of Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s
read out statement, Smt. Chowdhary said JPC is
dealing with the issue and I am sure all
questions will be answered logically at the
appropriate time. So there is no anxiety for us.
On another question on the Planning Commission
statistics for deciding the BPL people and
number of forums demanding the resignation of
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission on
this issue, Smt. Chowdhary said this is not the
way. That was the ground to calculate the BPL.
This is the process that has been utilized by
the Planning Commission. The matter lies there
as yet. Have we adopted it? Have we calculated
using that as the basis? No. We should not live
in speculation.
On the reaction of the Congress party over the
statement made by the BJP that Shri Pranab
Mukherjee has only said that those were not his
views, Smt. Chowdhary said I don’t think we
should read anything more into a situation where
there is none.
To another question whether 2-G spectrum note
was discussed in the cabinet meeting, Smt.
Chowdhary said we do not have a cabinet for that
reason. Ministers differ in a cabinet because we
discuss our policy and how to carry it forward
and unless you give different viewpoints, you do
not get a holistic policy evolving. That does
not mean that there are personal differences.
Both the Ministers have been senior Ministers
and are much matured Ministers. Having
differences of opinion is nothing new to them
and I don’t think they would ever allow because
they have been so seasoned and matured for this
and would not allow any personal disturbance to
happen. Every one of us has a great respect for
them. We have differences, we may not agree with
the issue but that does not mean that we do not
like each other. There is no war between the two
Ministers. That is a myth.
To a further question on the reaction of the
Congress party that this matter may be
politically over but not legally since the
matter is subjudice, Smt. Chowdhary said we
cannot speak or discuss here in this press
conference subjudiced matter. I think if you
take one part in isolation out of context in a
reference, nothing will make sense. You are to
look at it holistically. As of now the matter is
closed.
On another related question whether it was
because of Smt. Sonia Gandhi cracking a whip,
Smt. Chowdhary said they are not children. Both
are senior Ministers. They have so much
experience. I don’t think anyone needed to crack
anything. We should just learn to not see
shadows where there are none.
On the question of Prakash Karat sympathizing
with Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Smt. Chowdhary said
I think his party needs more condolences than
us.
On the question of Sanjeev Bhatt, suspended IPS
officer of Gujarat having been arrested, Smt.
Chowdhary asked if the media is surprised of the
action taken by Modi government. It had to
happen. This is what we had been telling. Is
this the part of the ‘sadbhavna’ fast?
(Tom Vadakkan)
Secretary, AICC
