Nainital, September 24
That Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to enjoy Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s confidence was evident when she emphatically scotched all speculation about the possible appointment of a Deputy Prime Minister.
At the same time, she expressed full satisfaction with the functioning of the UPA government in general and the Prime Minister in particular, saying that she did not feel the need for a mid-course correction as the government was working according to the common minimum programme.
Addressing a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at the conclusion of the Congress Chief Ministers’ conclave, Ms Gandhi said: “There is not going to be a Deputy Prime Minister and I am saying so categorically.”
The Congress president’s firm assertion was being widely viewed as a snub to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who has been functioning as the number two in command and has, of late, been tipped for elevation as Deputy Prime Minister. Similarly, Ms Gandhi’s words of praise for the Prime Minister were seen as a clear signal that her relations with Dr Manmohan Singh remain unchanged.
Ms Gandhi also sought to dispel the widespread notion that their decision to focus on agriculture at the Chief Ministers’ conclave was a reflection on Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s handling of his ministry.
Referring to her recent meeting with Mr Pawar, she said they had discussed areas of concern, adding that he had been working effectively. Justifying the slow pace of work in the improvement of the agriculture sector, she said since this area had been neglected for years, it would take some time to see any visible improvement on the ground. “Mr Pawar and the Prime Minister are doing their best in this direction,” she added.
Clarifying her views on the controversial issue of special economic zones (SEZ), the Congress president said nobody was saying the government should not go ahead with this scheme. However, there was a view expressed during yesterday’s deliberations that the states tread with caution in giving away prime agricultural land and should give some thought to the long-term impact of these projects.
Asked about the party’s game plan for next year’s Assembly poll in Uttar Pradesh, Ms Gandhi said the party was gearing up for the crucial election and there had been an improvement in recent months. The party, she said, had recently held two successful rallies in Kanpur and Barielly. She also revealed that her son Rahul Gandhi would campaign actively for the UP poll.
Regarding the Telangana Rashtriya Samiti’s decision to part company with the UPA, Ms Gandhi struck a conciliatory tone, stating that they had not closed the doors on the TRS.
