After criticism, Montek praises Jairam Ramesh

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who has been accusing Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh of blocking projects, today complimented his "old friend" for raising "consciousness" about green cause.

"Jairam and I are old friends. I compliment Jairam for raising consciousness... For drawing attention to the fact that 'business as usual' (approach) is not doing a good job," Ahluwalia said in a reference to the tough stand taken by Ramesh in giving environmental clearance to projects.

Ramesh, who was present at the function at FICCI here, responded only with a smile.

Ahluwalia had last month criticised Ramesh over his policy on mining, saying there should be a "sensible" definition of 'no-go' areas and favoured greater transparency in Environment Ministry's clearances to projects.

Ramesh had hit back saying "This is not Azadpur mandi in which we are discussing go or no-go."

With this backdrop clearly on his mind, Ramesh commented on the "large presence of media" for the seminar, saying it was unusual and possibly because of "the hope that Montek Ahluwalia and I am going to be sitting side by side."

"Today's newspaper ads have shown our photographs in today's function. It is only now (that) people are discovering he is going to come when I go (away from the function)," Ramesh quipped, assuming that Ahluwalia would come only after he leaves the place.

But Ahluwalia came in while Ramesh was delivering his speech at the Bharat Ram Memorial Seminar on "The Challenge of Self Organizing to Govern Commons in India.".

Sighting Ahluwalia, Ramesh commented "I will leave some time for Montek to walk in", evoking laughter from the audience.

Ramesh also had some to say when Ahluwalia was given a seat next to Lord Meghnad Desai, who was chairing the session. "He (Desai) is deliberately positioning himself between you and me Montek," he said.