No immediate threat to Vajpayee Govt

PUNE, Jan 6: Stating that the Vajpayee Government had no immediate threat, former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar today observed that the ...

PUNE, Jan 6: Stating that the Vajpayee Government had no immediate threat, former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar today observed that the situation in the country would worsen further if the Congress came into power.

In an informal chat with the media persons at Parandwadi, about 35 km here, Chandra Shekhar expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the Vajpayee government. He, however, maintained that the government had no threat because of the political equations at present.

Answering a question on sacking of Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, Chandra Shekhar opined that the defence authorities had to follow the orders of the cabinet ministry. He warned that the situation would become serious if the defence authorities defied the cabinet orders. He said Bhagwat should have chosen other ways to raise his complaints instead of defying the cabinet order. The former Prime Minister maintained that the statement and counter-statements over the issue were not in good taste.

Chandra Shekhar refused to comment on the attacks on Christians in Gujarat saying that he was not aware of the precise details in the state. He, however, observed that the law and order situation in four states was very serious while the situation in Delhi was worst.

Chandra Shekhar disapproved the Union government’s step to promulgate ordinance on the patents issue. He said the government should have ensured smooth passage of the bill in both the Houses of Parliament instead of promulgating an ordinance. Chandra Shekhar addressed a small gathering at Bharat Yatra Kendra to mark its 15th anniversary.