Amarinder calls on Rahul, terms meeting 'routine'

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday met Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi here and discussed various matters.

Terming the meeting routine, he said: "It had been over a month since I had last met Rahul (Gandhi), and hence I called upon him during my visit to Delhi today (Saturday)."

Asked about his cabinet's proposed expansion, he said: "It would be done in due course."

Amarinder Singh also dismissed as "ridiculous" the charges of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Sukhpal Khaira, who alleged Justice (Retd) J.S. Narang, appointed to probe the recent sand mine auction, has had close relations with state Minister Rana Gurjit Singh, who is facing probe in it.

Asked about the controversy triggered by allegations that Gurjit Singh, the Irrigation and Power Minister, had acquired sand mines through his company employees during the recent auctions, he said: "Let the report of the judicial inquiry come in. Let us not crucify the minister without proof."

Amarinder Singh also rejected outright the AAP demand that Justice Narang should recuse himself from the inquiry since his son had appeared as counsel for Rana Gurjit's relative in some case.

"Khaira's wife is related to Justice Ranjit Singh, who is heading the fresh commission we have instituted to investigate the sacrilege cases. So does that mean she can influence him?" he asked.

"Simply because a judge is related to someone or has some professional dealing with them does not mean that one can question his integrity," he said, slamming Khaira for questioning Justice Narang whose merit and integrity were beyond doubt and was known for his fair dealings, strong sense of justice, and expertise in corporate affairs.

--IANS

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