Anand Sharma backs Antony; says no need to apologise

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma today said there is no need for the Defence Minister A K Antony to apologise for his statement on the killing of five Indian soldiers along the LoC and charged BJP with indulging in propaganda.
He said the onus is on Pakistan for creating an environment for improving trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
"Why should he"? Sharma told reporters here when asked on BJP's demand that Antony apologise in Parliament.
Questioning BJP's stand on the issue, Sharma said "at a time when we should stand up and speak in one voice, BJP is indulging in pure partisan propaganda at the cost of this country's honour and security."

He added the opposition party should not waste time of Parliament.
"Parliament is the highest forum of debate and discussion. If there are political disruptions where no business are transacted and issues of national importance never discussed, then whose cause are we serving"? Sharma said.
BJP should not use such issues for partisan propaganda and for political and electoral benefits, he said.
"This shows the character of BJP. If they are really concerned, they can have closed-door meeting with the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. They can be fully briefed about the situation. The country cannot speak in multiple voices, which BJP is doing," he added.