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No Deputy Prime Minister: Sonia stands up for Manmohan Singh |
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The Congress Chief Ministers’ Conclave in Nainital ended with Sonia Gandhi coming out in support of the Prime Minister’s handling of national and international issues. Speaking at a news conference at the end of the conclave, Sonia Gandhi, said she is “absolutely satisfied” with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and there is no question of appointing a Deputy Prime Minister. More important, she made that point by answering a question which was addressed to the Prime Minister.
“Let me answer that,” she intervened while Singh was about to answer a question on Deputy Prime Minister. “Let me say, No, No. And I am saying this categorically,” Sonia said, stressing the last word, her displeasure apparent over reports that Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee may be appointed Deputy Prime Minister. She made it clear that her confidence in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is “absolute.” “I and my colleagues are absolutely satisfied with the PM,” Sonia said of the UPA Government’s performance.
The UPA chairperson also addressed the concerns of the allies, defended the performance of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and declared that her party has not yet shut the doors to Telengana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). Accused of being big-brotherly by the NCP and “insensitive” by the TRS, Sonia Gandhi was eager to dispel the perception. Heaping praise on Pawar, she said the “Agriculture Minister is working in an extremely effective manner.” “Agriculture sector was neglected during the NDA regime. The minister and the PM are doing their best. It will be a while before the situation improves,” she said.
She, however, rejected the NCP’s demand for expanding the UPA-Left coordination mechanism. “There is a mechanism amongst UPA partners to deliberate on issues. The Left, which is not part of the government, wanted a separate mechanism for them. Both are working well,” she said.
The Congress president said Rahul Gandhi will play an active role in UP elections.
Government not soft on terror – PM : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, speaking at the news conference, denied the Opposition charge that his government had gone soft on terrorism. He said there is no change in the government policy on the subject. Defending the proposal to set up an anti-terror joint mechanism with Pakistan, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, its objective was to test how Islamabad would fulfil its responsibility towards fighting terrorism. He said for the dialogue to move forward, Pakistan must ensure that its soil was not been used to spread terrorism in India.
Responding to questions over charges by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the joint mechanism, Dr. Singh said "Nukta Chini (criticism) was not right and our approach against terrorism has not changed." He said "misapprehensions" being expressed in various quarters over the proposal were "baseless." He admitted to a "trust deficit" in relations between New Delhi and Islamabad, but said things cannot stand still.
Dr. Singh said even his predecessor Vajpayee had invited Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf in 2001 to Agra after the Kargil experience. Subsequently, even after the attack on Parliament, he shook hands with General Musharraf in Nepal and later visited Islamabad in 2004. Dr. Singh said, he believed that the two countries would have to find ways and means to resolve all problems, including State-sponsored terrorism and other issues. "We are willing to discuss all issues," he said.
Referring to his meeting with Pakistan President Musharraf in Havana, Dr. Singh said they decided to go ahead with the composite dialogue covering all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. "We have repeatedly said our approach is such that we can't think of redrawing boundaries. General Musharraf said he cannot accept permanency of the LoC (Line of Control). We have to find ways and means and discuss if a via media can be found," he said. The Prime Minister ruled out the proposal of having a ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir, a suggestion mooted by State Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad sometime ago.
Referring to the talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom, Dr. Singh said the Government was all for discussing the issue but preconditions must be met.
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