Congress cannot forgive Rajiv’s killers, says Union Minister

Coming down heavily on political parties and organisations demanding clemency for the three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy said on Tuesday that those favouring such a decision should also think about the tragic death of Rajiv Gandhi and nearly 15 Tamilians in the terrorist attack.

Addressing a press conference, he said the Congress and its workers cannot forgive those behind the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The former Prime Minister was assassinated for trying to establish peace in Sri Lanka, Mr. Narayanasamy said, adding that those favouring clemency should also consider the role of LTTE in the elimination of several Tamil leaders in the island nation. Those who believe in democracy should leave the matter to the court, he said.

In a scathing attack on the N. R. Congress Government in Puducherry, he said the Union Home Ministry had been apprised of the law and order situation in Puducherry and requested Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to get a status report. He said the issue of law and order was also taken up with Lieutenant-Governor Iqbal Singh.

Stating that as many as 22 murders occurred in the past 100 days, Mr. Narayanasamy said the government had failed to check the activities of anti-social elements. “Certain constituencies have become a haven for anti-social elements and police officers are hand-in glove with them,” he said.

On the Congress’ strategy for the by-poll in Indira Nagar constituency, he said a decision would be taken by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. However, his personal view is the party should contest the election, the Hindu reports.