'Ban on LTTE will not affect offer of mediation'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MAY 18. While denying reports of contradictions within the NDA on the Sri Lankan issue, the BJP today clarified that the extension of the ban on LTTE would not come in the way of the Centre's offer to mediate between the Sri Lankan Government and the militant organisation.

``Governments have held discussions with banned organisations,'' the party general secretary, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, told presspersons. However, the Centre was yet to receive any request for mediation.

All political parties approved of the Union Government's stand that a solution should be found ``within the framework of Sri Lanka's unity and territorial integrity.'' Peace must be restored and the rights of ethnic minorities protected.

On the stalling of introduction of the three Statehood Bills, Mr. Naidu said the BJP remained committed to the creation of Uttaranchal, Chattisgarh, and Jharkhand by the end of this year. The Bills would be introduced in the next session of Parliament. But his party was willing to accommodate the views of the Opposition. ``We are open. Whatever Parliament collectively decides, we are for it,'' he said.

Reiterating the need for building a consensus around the views of the Congress(I) leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on the continuance of subsidies, he criticised the Congress(I) for speaking in different voices on the issue. ``Good economics makes good politics - provided there is consensus.''

Dr. Singh had stated that removal of subsidies could help provide the people below the poverty line, Rs.4,000 every month. However, Mr. Naidu laughed away a question on whether the Government intended to provide the poor with the sum.

He appealed to the Opposition not to politicise economic issues. There must be a consensus on issues such as poverty, unemployment, national security and Centre-State relations.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : U.P. CM in Delhi to discuss party crisis
Next     : States Bills may go the women's quota way