Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, according to Tass report, India has awarded Indira Gandhi International peace prize for 1987 to the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Earlier a bronze statue of V.I. Lenin was installed in one of the most prestigious areas of Delhi which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Ambassador. Very correct.
Journalist: Do you think the “peace” prize has been awarded to the Soviet leader for his military occupation of Afghanistan or is it in recognition of the supply of nuclear submarines to India?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Bahuguna has demanded the resignation of Rajiv Gandhi for misleading the Parliament in the Bofors pay offs scandal.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist In a front page story, the Indian Express has published particulars of banks, account numbers and companies about payments amounting to 64 corers that Bofors made for securing the howitzer contract from India. Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: What action is Rajiv Gandhi contemplating against Bahuguna and the Indian Express for demanding his resignation and exposing his connection with the fraudulent deal?
Ambassador. Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Congress (I) leaders in Punjab has started a virulent campaign against Parkash Singh Badaland blame him for encouraging the freedom fighters. Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: They had hoped that in his anxiety to become the Chief Minister, Mr. Badal will also dance to their tune and serve the Center as another Barnala.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Why can’t the Central government accept that only freedom fighters now represent the Sikh nation and all others have become irrelevant?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 19, 1988
