— Photo: PTI

DISCUSSING STRATEGY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on a visit to Bihar on Tuesday, said the Volcker Report was unsubstantiated. Here he is conferring with Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad during electioneering in Sitamarhi district.

PATNA: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday maintained that the Volcker report was "unsubstantiated" and that there was no proof against the Congress and former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh.

The UPA Government was committed to finding the truth in the issue, Mr. Singh said. He was addressing newspersons here after addressing two election meetings in the State.

Denying that the report had tarnished the image of the UPA Government and the Congress, the Prime Minister stressed that the UPA Government took pride in the action it had initiated though the report was unsubstantiated. "There is no proof in the report. There are a couple of tables and there were names of the Congress and Mr. Singh. Anyone can write any name, any story. That does not prove anything."

Dr. Singh said the Government was keen on understanding the entire issue by getting to the root of it through the judicial commission set up under former Chief Justice of India R. S. Pathak.

Asked if he saw a foreign conspiracy, Dr. Singh said he would not comment but expressed confidence that the committee would come out with the truth.

As for Mr. Natwar Singh's continuance as a member of the core group of the Union Cabinet after he was relieved of his portfolio, the Prime Minister said no decision had been taken and that it was for him to decide.

To a query on Mr. Natwar Singh's statement about India revising its stand on Iran's nuclear programme at the next meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Prime Minister said the country's official line would be known in due course. He said several details had to be discussed and a number of countries were engaged in consultations for sorting out the problems in Vienna and it was quite possible that they would find a way out and avoid a division. "So it would not be proper to underline what stand we will take on the issue at the next meeting of the IAEA on November 24."

While underling his respect for the Election Commission, the Prime Minister said political parties had the right to air their grievances and that no restriction could be put on them.

Unfortunate development

Dr. Singh described as an "unfortunate development" the controversy over the Bihar Governor, Buta Singh. "Constitutional authorities should be above suspicion and they should conduct themselves in a manner that they don't invite adverse comments."

On the differences between Lalu Prasad and Ram Vilas Paswan saying that two people need not agree on everything. He, however, denied that Mr. Prasad exerted pressure on him. "He is a senior member of the Cabinet and his advice is considered and the decision is taken through consensus."

Asked to clarify on his statements on whether Mr. Prasad would be the next Chief Minister if the alliance came to power in the State, Dr. Singh said the decision would be made by the legislators.

Dr. Singh accused the NDA Government of neglecting the State and denying its due during its six years of rule at the Centre.

Promising to eliminate poverty and create employment, Dr. Singh assured better education and a mid-day meal for all schools. Mr. Prasad was present at the Sitamarhi rally while the former Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, accompanied him at Saharsa.

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