Digvijay questions RSS role in 84 riots

Image
Press Trust of India Bengaluru
Last Updated : Feb 01 2015 | 8:35 PM IST
With a fresh probe likely into 1984 anti-Sikh riots of Delhi in which Congress leaders had faced trial, Digvijay Singh today alleged involvement of RSS activists into the violence and questioned why there has been silence on the issue.
"We are all very sad and condemn the Sikh riots, but I think this issue has been investigated, people who had been investigated have stood the trial of court; and I think whatever has to be done, whoever has to be punished, has been punished," Singh told reporters here.
"But one aspect of the Sikh riots, media and the others have been very silent also is the role of the RSS activists in the Sikh riots," he added.
A fresh probe is likely with a government-appointed committee recommending constitution of an SIT, a move seen by Congress as an attempt to woo voters ahead of polls in Delhi.
On Jayanthi Natarajan's resignation and her allegations against Rahul Gandhi, Singh said, "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, both as senior political leaders, have been extremely sensitive to the cause of forest and environment and the tribal rights.
"They have brought it to the notice of Forest and Environment Ministry not only when Jayanthi Natarajan was there as minister but earlier also."
"From Indira Gandhi's time when she enacted the Forest Conservation Act, the Congress party is extremely sensitive to the issues of forest and environment, conservation of forest and the tribal rights."
"It is unfortunate that Jayanthi Natarajan has now come out levelling charges against Rahul Gandhi," he said.
Natarajan quit Congress after slamming Rahul saying that she followed his direction on green nod to projects but was 'vilified, humiliated and sidelined' by central leadership.
Pointing out that ex-servicemen held demonstrations in Delhi today seeking implementation of 'One Rank, One Pension', Singh said the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament demanding its implementation.
On talks with Congress' state leadership, Singh, in-charge of state party affairs, said the party would be completing two years in government soon.
"... A mid-course appraisal party has to do so that we prepare ourselves and strategise to meet the challenges of communal forces during 2018 assembly elections."
On Cabinet reshuffle, he said it was the Chief Minister's right."...I think whenever he wants to reshuffle his Cabinet, he is free to do that.
On demand for Deputy Chief Minister, he said "this is absolutely in the hands of the Chief Minister, as far as the AICC is concerned we don't interfere in it.
*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: Feb 01 2015 | 8:35 PM IST

Next Story