Phukan panel: Arun Jaitley slams Manmohan remarks

‘‘The Prime Minister’s statements is dangerous. If the reasons furnished by the Prime Minister have substance, namely non-completion of work, how come the Jain Commission has continued for over so many years. Liberhan Commission has continued even after 12 years, despite having prosecuted people,’’ Jaitley said.

Stating that Singh’s remarks did ‘‘not behove’’ the office of the Prime Minister, Jaitley said his party won’t accept his contention that the Phukan Commission had to be wound up because it had failed to produce any report.

Pointing out that Justice Phukan had said he would submit the report in six months, the BJP leader claimed it was for the ‘‘first time’’ that a commission of inquiry had been abolished ahead of time.

Jaitley also said that the BJP has complained to the Election Commission on the Government decision to set up a commission for religious minorities.

‘‘While state governments in the past have been in news for violating the code of conduct, it is the first time that the Centre has been rapped for overlooking it,’’ Jaitley said, adding that it was a pointer to the vote-bank politics the Government was indulging in before the crucial Maharashtra polls.

It is learnt the Commission would respond to the Government’s decision in a few days.