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Journalism of Courage
The Congress today again demanded the dismissal of Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy and said he has ‘‘eclipsed’’ the BJP’s claim of ‘‘India Shining’’.
‘‘We demand the immediate dismissal of Rudy who had sought to refer even bills for a fountain, as reported in the press, to the Airports Authority of India (AAI),’’ senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.
‘‘If even with this evidence, the PM does not take action, it would mean he can do anything to protect his government,’’ he said and added that ‘‘the PM is very forgiving and cannot bring himself to do anything against those who are close to him. This is our Shining India.’’
Sibal asked what kind of evidence will satisfy the PM. ‘‘During the petrol pump scam, the numerous instances of pumps being given to VHP members and RSS pracharacks came to light. But the PM did not accept that as proof and merely cancelled all of them (licences).’’
‘‘During the Judeo case, the PM did not accept what was visible on a video tape, and insisted he wants to know who was the other person involved. Yet, he accepts everything about an audio tape and institutes an inquiry,’’ he said, hinting at the Jogi tape controversy.
‘‘That the PM should take such a stand is unfortunate for a country which is the world’s biggest democracy,’’ Sibal added.
‘‘No wonder he is a master of the art of coalition, because he closes his eyes to everything to just walk along with everyone,’’ he charged.
Referring to the issue of milking of PSUs, Sibal said: ‘‘On November 9, 2003, it first came out in The Indian Express that the Central Vigilance Commissioner P. Shanker had complained to the PM that PSUs were being unduly pressured. We demanded that the names of the ministries be made public. But Shanker later clarified that no individual was discussed.’’
‘‘Shanker’s letter to the PM on September 9, 2003 states, ‘I do not want to quote any particular instance (of pressure) but it should not be difficult for you to get this information’,’’ Sibal said.
‘‘How can Rudy tell The Indian Express that he has been ‘crucified even before he committed a crime’. We say even attempting to commit a crime is enough. Now that he has paid the bills does not mean anything,’’ he added.
