Cong squirms over Supreme Court indictment

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 30 2013 | 7:55 PM IST
Embarrassed with the indictment by the apex court on coalgate issue, Congress today reacted cautiously on continuation of Law Minister Ashwani Kumar Union Cabinet but asserted its response will not be found wanting when the complete facts emerge.
"Of course, it is not a pleasant comment for any dispensation, for any composition of the Government," party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said on the Supreme Court observations on the issue, a clear indication of the growing discomfiture in the party over the controversy.
Dwivedi at the same time added "as far as the comments of the Supreme Court are concerned, I believe that the final opinion is yet to come and once it comes, an appropriate decision can be taken."
The Supreme Court today said CBI's act of sharing the status report on Coalgate with the government has "shaken" the entire investigation process and vowed to "liberate" the agency from political influence and interference.
At the AICC briefing, party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary said, "We go by what the highest court of the country says.... We do not comment on what the court has said and we very humbly accept what the court says."
Maintaining that the matter is still "sub judice" and it would be jurisprudence to wait till one gets the full facts of the "developing situation", Chowdhary significantly added, "I have also given an assurance that you will not find us wanting in any issue", when the full facts emerge.
Chowdhary evaded a direct question on whether Kumar will continue as Law Minister.
"I am not competent authority to answer this. This is for the government or the Prime Minister, who will take a decision. And we will see. As I have said that this is an ongoing situation. Let's examine all the facts and I have also given an assurance that you will not find us wanting," she said.
A leader speaking on condition of anonymity said parleys are being held at senior level and a decision either way depends on how it pans out in next few days.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 30 2013 | 7:55 PM IST

Next Story