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"Let Centre probe Gavit issue and take action"

New Delhi Bureau

Unanimous conclusion at all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee

NEW DELHI : With Union Minister of State for Home Manikrao Gavit — who, according to a television channel, has links with a mafia don imprisoned in Bulandshahr — on Monday offering to renounce politics if found guilty, leaders of all parties unanimously agreed to let the Government inquire and decide what action needed to be taken. This decision was taken at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee after Mr. Gavit explained his position in both Houses of Parliament.

Some leaders wanted the matter to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, but the majority view was that since a Minister was involved, it was best to leave it to the Prime Minister and the Government.

Later, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi indicated that the minutes of this meeting would be placed before the Prime Minister and he would decide how the Government should inquire into the matter, and consult the State Government [Uttar Pradesh], if necessary. He added that the Government would try to get back to the House before the monsoon session ended on August 25.

Though the BJP raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, the Opposition applauded Mr. Gavit when he said he would distance himself from Government and legislative work, pending enquiry. Ahead of his statement in which Mr. Gavit also offered to renounce politics if found guilty, Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani said the Government should examine the possibility of legislating on sting operations which were not permitted in several countries.

Mr. Gavit's statement came soon after question hour in both Houses and was preceded by demands from across the floor for action against scribes who wanted to paint politicians in a poor light, while the Speaker urged them not to criticise the media.

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