Press
Briefing Tuesday, 4th May 2010
Smt.
Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that we wanted to welcome
the judgment of the Special Court on Ajmal Kasab. It is
a great victory and achievement of our judicial system
and indicative of the strong authority of rule of law in
our country that this trial took place in a free and
fair transparent manner over 1,522 pages of charge
sheet, hundreds of witnesses and with complete adherence
to our constitution and the rule of law and principles
of fair play. Today we await the sentences of Kasab and
I would also like to express our fervent hope that all
the perpetrators in 26/11 will soon be brought to books
including the original instigators and Pakistan will
understand that our system of rule of law can ensure a
fair trial for even those who are accused of the worst
and most heinous attack upon our nation. We, therefore,
express the hope that all the perpetrators of 26/11 will
be brought to justice.
On the question whether the Congress Party is satisfied
of the way your ally Ms. Mamata Banerjee has handled the
Motor men strike, Smt. Natarajan said this is a very
important issue. The fact that many lakhs of people in
Mumbai have been placed at considerable hardship, we are
very sure that the Railway Minister and all the
concerned authorities will restore normalcy at the
earliest possible. All steps have been taken by the
Minister and all steps will continue to be taken.
On the question of the behavior of Mr. Bandopadhyay of
TMC in the House today, Smt. Natarajan said that we
certainly hope that there will be complete order and
proper administration for the Houses of Parliament to
function.
On the question of Tamil Nadu Legislative Council, Smt.
Natarajan said that we believe that this is a issued on
which decision has to be taken by consensus and
therefore, that is something that we need to consult all
our allies on and decision should be taken on consensus.
It is an important issue. A view has to be taken along
with all our allies and by consensus.
On the question of sentencing of Kasab and related
question with regard to mercy petition, Smt. Natarajan
said we hope that exemplary punishment will be given to
Kasab. On 85 counts he has been found guilty. We
certainly hope that exemplary punishment will be given.
Smt. Natarajan further said that I do not speak for the
Home Minister. As far as Congress Party is concerned,
there is an established procedure by which mercy
petitions are dealt with. So far Kasab has not filed.
Even the sentencing I am not aware what has happened
today and we stand by the established procedure.
On the question of TMC stand on the Municipal elections
in West Bengal, Smt. Natarajan said that our alliance in
Delhi is very strong and there will not be any problem.
Our alliance with TMC on national level is strong
enough. We are satisfied with our alliance and
discharging our responsibilities efficiently. We also
hope that very soon, this problem will also be solved.
On the question whether the alliance with different
parties have become embarrassing for the Congress Party,
Smt. Natarajan further said that we have no problem
whatsoever. The Government as a whole is functioning
extremely well. I believe that our allies are
performing. These are politically motivated charges.
On the Women Reservation Bill, Smt. Natarajan said that
certainly our desire is to bring it up at the earliest
possible time.
On the question of situation in Jharkhand, Smt.
Natarajan said that the Congress Party is watching the
situation.
On the question whether the Congress party has different
standards for itself and for others, Smt. Natarajan said
that there is only one standard and there is no question
of two standards and we believe that our allies are
functioning in the most responsible and best possible
way in the welfare of the nation.
Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC
