Press Briefing Wednesday,1st June 2012

Smt. Renuka Chowdhary addressed the media today.


On the question of the reaction of the Congress party on the fact that CVC had already referred the matter relating to allotment of Coal blocks to private parties to CBI and also the CAG report on the same, Smt. Chowdhury said I don't think we have any serious trouble on the Coal-gate issue after the Prime Minister has clarified. It is unfortunate that these people give half baked and out of reference stories that are put out in public domain and after the PM has said there is very little for us to add on to it. Smt. Chowdhury added that we are not going to be directed by anybody as to how to handle the matter. It is good enough that other investigation agencies are looking into the matter and there should be some line that we should not cross. She also said that she is not telling that the CAG is wrong. We do not comment on the draft reports and until the final report comes out, I would not like to comment on the same.

To another question that Ramdev has said that they don't have faith on the Prime Minister, Smt. Chowdhury said we don't need any teaching or certificate from Ramdev as to how to distribute the coal block.

To another question on the continuing sliding down of the Rupee and the fact that the GDP has come down to its lowest in the last nine years and the statement of RBI that in view of weak fundamentals they are not in a position to arrest the sliding down of the Rupee and whether it is because of the wrong policies of the government, Smt. Chowdhury said if this is the situation that the policies of the government are to be blamed, then we should compare the same with the economy of other advanced countries. This is all because of international situation. It so happens. It will soon be arrested and stabilized. This is for the same reason that we are talking of FDI. The Finance Minister has also suggested the way forward and we remain optimistic that we are still buoyant.

To another question on the reaction of the Congress party on Siddharamaiah putting in his papers and whether the party is going to reconstruct the list of the candidates for biennial elections for Karnataka MLC, Smt. Chowdhury said it is not that he is away from the party and I think that is an ongoing situation and let us wait. I am not competent to talk on the reconstruction of the list. Discussions are on and let us wait till there is some development on the issue.

On a question on the performance of the Congress party in the forthcoming by-elections in Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Chowdhury said we are not losing.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party over the blog of Advani, Smt. Chowdhury said it is the BJP's worry and not ours.

To a question that Ramdev along with Anna is again fasting on corruption and black money issues, Smt. Chowdhury said as far as corruption is concerned, government is seized of the matter and we are dealing with it and taking steps. It is irresponsible talk that people like Ramdev and others who reveal conveniently part issues and out of context revelations which is vitiating the atmosphere for economic development. They are trying to undermine the investors' confidence and really how is Ramdev qualified to speak all about this. She further added that we cannot come under duress.

To a question on the reaction of the Congress party that the Chief of Ranbir Sena was killed today in Bihar and that the situation is going out of control, Smt. Chowdhury said we are concerned because any kind of killings like this are a matter of concern. There is no personal satisfaction in Ranbir Sena's chief being killed. It is just something running riot and amuck and it should be investigated and reach its natural course of justice. She added that it is not rebellion as such at its best. It is some unhappiness which is being dealt with. We should wait. It is premature for us to assume that something has happened there.

To another question that Anand Sharma has held a meeting in a five star hotel despite orders of the Finance Minister for austerity, Smt. Chowdhury said she is not aware of the meeting he has had there.




(Tom Vadakkan)
Secretary, AICC