Date:11/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/11/stories/2006011117651500.htm

National

Dragging Sonia's name is shameful, says Manmohan

"An inquiry is in progress and the law of the land will punish the guilty"

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh releases the special editions of Munshi Premchand's Sevasadan and Ranghbhumi's Punjabi and Urdu version with Prof. Bipan Chandra, Chairman, National Book Trust, in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday that it was ``shameful'' that the name of the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and his office (PMO) were being dragged into the phone tapping controversy. Action would be taken against the guilty as per the law of the land.

``It is shameful that the Ms. Gandhi's name and the Prime Minister's Office are being dragged into the controversy.... an inquiry is in progress and the law of the land will punish the guilty,'' Dr. Singh told reporters after a book release function at his 7 Race Course Residence.

``I do not understand how people think about taking names in such issues.... how do they think about such things. One must wait for the probe to finish,'' he said.

Phone tapping should not be allowed in a democracy and it was unfortunate that some people were indulging in it. ``Only at times when national security is at stake should such methods be used,'' he said, adding that technology should not be misused in any sphere of life.

Not going to watch match

Putting at rest all speculations, the Prime Minister clarified that he would not travel to Pakistan to watch a cricket match. He said he has a very busy schedule as several heads of state or government were scheduled to visit New Delhi.

``How can I go to Pakistan... my schedule is fully packed for the next two months.... Several heads of state or government are visiting us and the U.S. President George Bush is also coming.''

First, an invitation to watch a match in that country is required, Dr. Singh said.

Asked whether he would go to Pakistan if an invitation was extended to him, he said "'I am too busy."

About the much-awaited Cabinet expansion, Dr. Singh declined to comment on its timing, saying the ``exercise is due and will be taken up soon''.

``It is due and required.... and it will be done soon,'' he said when asked if the expansion will be taken up after January 14.

The Prime Minister did not commit to any date on the issue. ``It can also be before or after the Hyderabad plenary session of the Congress on January 21,'' he said.

About the cut in food subsidy, he said the Government had taken the decision to ``roll back'' the decision in view of severe criticism from several quarters. He, however, clarified that it was only for the ``time being''

About talks with the Kashmir separatist leaders, he reiterated that he was willing to hold talks with any separatist group that shunned violence.

``My doors are open for anybody who wants peace and has shunned violence.... All those who accept that are welcome here.''

Dr. Singh refused to comment on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's proposal for demilitarisation of three districts of Kashmir as a precursor to end militancy in the State.

``I simply do not want to make any comment on this issue.'' — UNI