Will not file defamation case against Rahul Gandhi: Ved Pratap Vaidik

Veteran journalist and political analyst Ved Pratap Vaidik said Tuesday that he will not file a defamation case against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. He also expressed his grief on Congress leaders opposing his meeting with 26/11 terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Vaidik said, "20 years ago they used to say that I am the deputy PM of Narsimha Rao. But, I have never been a member of any political party for even one day. They call themselves responsible ministers and now they are acting so irresponsibly. Have any of our embassies got me any appointment to meet anyone? This is purely out of personal relation. Pakistan channels also interviewed me."

"It was just an unplanned meeting and I met him there through a Pakistani journalist. My doors are opened as a journalist. If I would have taken the help of any embassy or if the government would have helped me, then they were free to raise questions. Now these people are making jokers of themselves," he added.

Expressing his sadness over the behavior of Congress party members who are accusing him, Vaidik said, "I am known as a critic of the Congress party in this country. Those who are opposing me from Congress are like younger brothers to me. Can't believe the nation was in their hands for the last ten years. Rahul Gandhi is such a big minister and I am nothing in front of him. Why to file a defamation case? These Congress ministers who are now accusing me, have hurt me. I have known Congress people more than BJP Government people."

"I pity the minds of these ministers and media that are showing the selective portion of my speech for their own use. Some television channels have also distorted my videos; they should be punished. I have worked for 40 years to bring peace and integrity in our country," he added.

Clearing his intentions on national peace, he said, "If Kashmir issue is solved, then Pakistan will have no reason to fight with us. I want to finish this issue, while these ministers are just thinking about vote bank politics."

Gandhi had earlier said on Tuesday that Ved Pratap Vaidik belongs to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Ramdev aide and senior journalist Vaidik has been facing criticism from the opposition after his recent meeting with 26/11 terrorist mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Lahore.

Vaidik has openly accepted that he met Saeed in Lahore. He said that he is ready to share all the records of his meetings in Pakistan.