Cong for RS session on Kargil

Stating this here today, K Natwar Singh, chairman of Congress foreign affairs department and spokesperson on these matters, said there were no elected representatives other than the President and the chairman of the Rajya Sabha who is Vice President after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, Rajya Sabha must be convened to hold such a debate.

Though the Congress Party had maintained a cautious approach while commenting on Kargil ever since the crisis errupted, today8217;s sharp attack is an indication that there has been a change.

Kuldip Nayar, a member of the Rajya Sabha, who is considered close to former Prime Minister I KGujral, has already called for a Rajya Sabha session.There is a possibility that other Opposition parties particularly the allies of the Congress may also call for the session. A joint memorandum may be submitted to the President in this regard by the political parties.

Since the BJP is in a hopeless minority in the Upper house, the government may find it difficult to face the challenge by the combined Opposition. Secondly, it is yet to be examined whether a government which has lost the mandate of the people to govern, can be made accountable to the Rajya Sabha.

Coming down heavily on George Fernandes for his handling of defence matters ever since he assumed charge of the ministry, Natwar Singh said,8220;This gentleman first tried to ruin our relations with China. Then he annoyed the forces and now he claims that the areas would be cleared in 48 hours.8221;Natwar Singh said that his party had committed to back the government fully in this hour of crisis. 8220;But it is they who failed to protect the country andnow question the patriotism of others.8221;

He said it would be an insult to any Indian if he did not support the government in this hour of crisis. 8220;We are supporting the government. But at the same time, the country has the right to know how it all happened. Who is responsible for the death of innocent armed personnel ? Why our planes have been downed by infiltrators sitting in our territory ?8221;

Natwar Singh said,8220;our patriotism should not be put to test if we do not support George Fernandes8217; adventurism.8221; He said his party considered him a liability for the country. But it was for the Prime Minister to judge whether he also considered him an asset or a liability.

Natwar Singh said that Kargil had proved beyond doubt that Lahore declaration was historic as it lasted just 3 months.8220;Nothing happened for 27 years between the two countries after the Shimla agreement. It is for now for everybody to see what happened within 3 months of the Lahore Bus ride,8221; he added.

He also wondered why the PakistanForeign Minister is being invited when Nawaz Sharif had gone on record to say that the only issue to be discussed between the two countries was the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.