Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Haryana election has become very crucial for the political survival of Rajiv Gandhi.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: With Congress (I)’s complete rout in all the Southern States and with Rajiv’s stock falling to the lowest because of the kickbacks and payoffs in defense deals, defeat in Haryana is sure to seal Rajiv’s fate.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think to win elections, Rajiv will announce acceptance of the Eradi Commission report which was appointed solely to recommend gifting of Punjab river waters to Haryana? Ambassador. Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Delhi has imposed direct rule in Punjab because Barnala had failed to check violence in the State.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But violence has been there ever since Barnala became the Chief Minister and quite a few killings were done by the paramilitary troops.
Ambassador. Very correct.
Journalist; Don’t you think the sudden spurt in violence in Punjab immediately after the announcement of elections in Haryana could be the handiwork of Congress (I) agents who are anxious to rouse anti-Sikh hysteria in Haryana?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Indian government has instituted enquiry into the events and circumstances leading to the arrangement entered into with the Fairfax group of the U.S.A. The enquiry will be conducted by the Thakkar Natarajan Commission. Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist; But the government has turned down the demand to widen the scope of the enquiry to include a probe into illegal funds held abroad by Indians, especially in the Swiss Banks. Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: What made the government reject the demand for widening the scope of the enquiry? Is it to protect Rajiv Gandhi’s friends like Amitabh Bachhan who allegedly holds illegal money in banks abroad?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 15, 1987
