Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Maneka Gandhi, President Rashtryia Sanjay Manch, has described Barnala Akali Dal as nothing but an extension of Congress (1).
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: President Zail Singh in his condolence tribute to late Longowal called him a martyr to the cause of national unity.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Does it mean that the Congress (1) recognizes and admits to its fold only such Sikhs as betray the cause and interests of their community?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist; Mr. Ambassador, Rajiv has been charged of assuring Sikh renegades like Barnala, Balwant Singh, Ravi Inder and Ramoowalia that they would be declared elected even if they do not enter their constituencies.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Government has provided to these renegades heavy security and put crack commando units on 24 hour duty to protect them from their “adoring” electorate.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: What makes Rajiv so sure of getting them elected without their going to the electorate especially when Sikhs do not believe in idol worship? Don’t you think it points to a definite conspiracy to rig the elections?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Rajiv Gandhi has said that India will have to revise its nuclear policy in the event of Pakistan acquiring atom bomb.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Nuclear scientists in the West believe that India has already acquired atom bomb but is not prepared to disclose this secret to the outside world.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think that it is criminal on the part of Indian Government to spend billions on making atom bombs when millions in the country are starving and have no homes to live? Does it mean that its much publicized philosophy of PanchSheel is pure hypocrisy or perhaps a clever ruse to deceive the neighbors?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 6, 1985
