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By Our Staff Reporter
The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, talking to the media after meeting the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, in the Vellore central prison on Thursday. — Photo: A. Muralitharan
"In some areas, things move rather slow in our country, as you know", he said in reply to questions from mediapersons as soon as he came out of the central prison here after an hour-long meeting with the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko. The State Government had a right to say whatever it felt or believed in, Mr. Fernandes said when his comments were sought on the Tamil Nadu Government refusing to furnish details of POTA arrests to the committee. He denied a suggestion that the committee delay in completing the task was responsible for Mr. Vaiko languishing in jail. Mr. Vaiko, he said, was a revolutionary who did not have any such depression. "No, it does not", Mr. Fernandes said to a question whether his continued incarceration was not a reflection on the Centre. "I would not like to make a forecast as it would not be good and would cause trouble to some", Mr. Fernandes said to a query how many more times he would visit the Vellore jail to meet Mr. Vaiko. (Incidentally, this was the third time he called on Mr. Vaiko in the prison after his arrest under the POTA on July 12 last year). Asked what steps he, as National Democratic Alliance convener and as friend, would take to get Mr. Vaiko released from prison, Mr. Fernandes replied that his relationship and friendship with the MDMK leader would not be hampered by his being in jail. As far as his release was concerned, "I hope time will tell, and tell very soon". Asked whether he talked politics with Mr. Vaiko, he said politicians invariably discussed politics when they met. He replied in the negative to a question whether he had any discussion on the next Lok Sabha elections or alliances. ``Our alliances are firm on all sides". Asked whether he had any message to Mr. Vaiko from the Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, the Defence Minister said the latter wished him well "both in health and otherwise", and that he conveyed the greetings to the MDMK leader. On the demand by the DMK president, M. Karunanidhi, for repeal of the POTA, Mr. Fernandes said Parliament voted for the legislation since there was need for such a law. "To say that it is no more needed now would not be right". The State Government was empowered to take such a decision, Mr. Fernandes said to a question on the release of POTA detenus by the Uttar Pradesh Government. Asked about "misuse" of the law by some State Governments, he said it was not for him to comment on the reasons and motivation for the arrests made under the POTA.
Maran health
To a question whether it was not a drain on the exchequer to keep the ailing Murasoli Maran as Union Cabinet Minister without portfolio for more than 10 months, Mr. Fernandes said there was a drain on the exchequer in everything. Mr. Maran was an outstanding member of the Cabinet, but unfortunately "his health has taken him to a point", where he was unable to attend his duties. The state owed it to Mr. Maran that he was looked after, and everyone would like to hope and pray that he got well soon and took charge of his responsibilities.
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