Cong Condemns Rao Statement On Rajiv

The Congress yesterday strongly condemned its former president, PV Narasimha Rao, for having blamed his predecessor, Rajiv Gandhi, for ordering the St Kitts bank account forgery. The case involves an attempt by Congress leaders to frame VP Singh, who was then leading the opposition attack against it, in 1989.

Raos counsel had on Wednesday told the court trying the crime that Rao had done whatever he did at Gandhis behest. A host of party leaders have been amazed, asserting that the move would complete Raos marginalisation from the party rank and file. The obvious political object of the move was Gandhis widow, Sonia, who recently became a party member. Her aides have indicated that she could take over the party. Party chief Sitaram Kesri appears to have made a political deal with her.

Saying that the Congress party is deeply shocked by this action (in court) and would defeat any effort to defame our beloved leader, Shri Rajiv Gandhi posthumously, Kesris political secretary, Tariq Anwar, said the statement was against all civilised conduct since it sought to denigrate a dead leader.