archive: Criticism of Fernandes highly regrettable, says BJP
Criticism of Fernandes highly regrettable, says BJP
Observer Political Bureau
The Observer
June 2, 1999
Title: Criticism of Fernandes highly regrettable, says BJP
Author: Observer Political Bureau
Publication: The Observer
Date: June 2, 1999
The BJP on Tuesday said that the Congress criticism of the Defence
Minister George Fernandes as "painful, unfortunate and highly
regrettable" saying the Congress was "trying to gain political
mileage",
when the need of the hour was for all political parties and citizens
to join ranks in support Of the defence forces in Kargil.
The party said that the questions regarding alleged lapses for
statements can be taken after the action at the frontier was over,
saying that "there will be enough time for inquisitions later".
The party also came out in support of the Defence Minister's handling
of the Kargil situation, saying that Mr Fernandes was "a capable
Defence Minister who was doing a perfect job".
The party also said that the State Governments and the Centre have to
maintain "constant vigil" on the internal security front also,
considering the fact that bombs and explosives have been unearthed in
the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Briefing the press, BJP spokesperson Venkaiah Naidu said, "Whenever
the country has been faced a threat form across the border the nation
has stood as one man to face the onslaught. We are happy that the
entire country has stood by the Government's action in Kargil".
"However, it is regrettable and unfortunate that the Congress is once
again ~ up issues in order to politicise it. The Congress
double-speak is most unfortunate. We wish that the Congress takes a
healthy attitude and behaves as a mature party. Because, it has
direct bearing on the morale of the forces fighting at the borders".
He said that if the Congress party has to condemn anybody , "it should
be Pakistan for its action in violating the spirit of the Lahore
Declaration and the Shimla Agreement, which was an honest attempt by
the BJP to improve relations with our neighbours".
By its constant criticism. Mr Naidu asked, "what is the message that
the Congress is to send. Are they happy that the spirit of the Lahore
Declaration has been violated"
He said that all through its stint in the Opposition when the Congress
was in power, the "BJP had played a constructive role as an
opposition" and it was time for the Congress to "play its role of a
mature and responsible Opposition".
Mr Naidu also announced that the BJP Parliamentary board was meet" on
June 8, to take stock of the political developments the Party's
preparations for the elections. The Board will also take decisions re
the alliances that the party will conclude in the various states, he
said.
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