Chandra Shekhar assails NDA action

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 3. The former Prime Minister, Mr. Chandra Shekhar, today expressed anguish over the developments in Tamil Nadu and disapproved the manner in which the National Democratic Alliance has handled the issue.

Mr. Chandra Shekhar who had initially urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa, to exercise restraint and not resort to politics of vengeance, today said what was now coming out was `more alarming'.

Referring to the AIADMK version of the incident in which the conduct of the two Union Ministers had been explained in detail, the former Prime Minister said it remained to be seen how the NDA would now justify its actions.

He said it appeared that there was an element of greater drama in the events that took place in Chennai since initial reports had influenced both the media and the political class in the country.

Mr. Chandra Shekhar also took exception to the statements of the NDA convener, Mr. George Fernandes, for virtually putting the State Government on notice, and the Union Law Minister, Mr. Arun Jaitley. ``Any sensible person would not adopt such an attitude towards any State Government.''

He said the manner in which the NDA Government reacted by sending a team to Chennai within a day of the incident without allowing the State Government an opportunity did not augur well for democracy.

Commenting on the recall of the Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi, he said it was not proper for the Centre to hold her responsible on the grounds that she merely forwarded the State Government's report since the Governor has to depend on the State administration while forming an opinion.

He said in the light of what was now coming out, Ms. Beevi had handled well a critical situation.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : AIADMK-Cong. ties: Brashness replaced by realism
Next     : 'Jayalalithaa must be taught a lesson'