A day after he expressed his “disgust” over attending the Pakistan National Day resulting in a political controversy with Congress seeking his removal, a dismissive Minister of State VK Singh on Tuesday wondered as to why media was making so much of brouhaha in the matter.
“I do not owe an explanation to anybody,” said Singh when asked about his tweets using words “disgust” and “duty” after representing the Government at the Pakistan function. The former Army Chief had been deputed by the Government to represent it at the Pakistan National Day reception at the High Commission where Kashmiri separatist leaders were also present.
The Opposition including Congress and JD (U) sought resignation of the former Army chief for attending the Pakistan Day and later expressing “disgust” over taking part in the event. Gen Singh and the Congress-led UPA Government were at loggerheads during his tenure. Post-retirement Singh joined BJP, which on Tuesday slammed Congress and media for making a hype of the issue.
While former Union Minister Manish Tewari asked Singh to quit, senior BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy slammed Tewari for his comments on Singh. “Why media and Congress want Gen Singh to quit his MinistershipIJ Just because he is not a rubber stamp Ji Huzoors like Congress reptilesIJ” Swamy tweeted.
Tewari mentioned that in past, Ministers had refused to attend Pakistan events.
JD (U) leader KC Tyagi said statements given by Singh after attending the meeting were uncalled for as the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the BJP-PDP Government in Jammu & Kashmir talks of having a dialogue with the separatists.
The NCP too slammed the government for making a “laughing stock” of itself over the issue. “Those who were present there were the people who do not have any interest in people of India. If there was an invitation or a protocol, it could have been politely declined. But then a Union Minister going there and media making a laughing stock is a matter of deep regret for us,” said NCP leader Majeed Memon.
Congress leader PC Chacko took the opportunity to take on the Government for not having a clear cut policy on the issue of Pakistan and Kashmir.
“The fact that Gen VK Singh is cutting a sorry figure, it shows that there is no policy for Centre in such matters. Pakistan celebrating their national day and also inviting all anti-Indian people there, whether it is Hurriyat (Conference leaders) or some other groups it is most unfortunate. I know, such people who hold extreme views against India are being invited,” Chacko said.