By IANS,
New Delhi : The Congress Friday said that the Bajrang Dal “deserves to be banned” for its alleged role in the attacks on Christians in Orissa that have claimed at least 36 lives.
“We believe that all such organisations that use violence to further its motives should be banned. For long, reports are coming about its (Bajrang Dal’s) involvement in violent and anti-national activities for which it deserves to be banned,” Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmad told reporters here.
The cabinet had earlier this month extensively discussed the situation in Orissa but no decision could be taken on banning the Bajrang Dal as Home Minister Shivraj Patil maintained that more evidence needed to be gathered against the organisation for its alleged role in the violence in Orissa.
Ahmad also said that the Congress is committed to justice being delivered in the Sep 19 Jamia Nagar shootout in Delhi in which two suspected terrorists were gunned down. Delhi Police inspector M.C. Sharma also lost his life in the shootout.
“Demands for judicial probe have been conveyed to the party president. The party will finally decide on the issue. However, the party is committed to deliver justice to every one,” the minister said.
The Congress leader also welcomed the decision by Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal to reinstate hundreds of employees who were given pink slips.
“The Congress party welcomes the decision of Mr. Naresh Goyal. It has not only saved the future of thousands of young employess but will also strengthen the faith of those who are studying to get into the aviation industry,” Ahmad said.
Earlier this week, Jet had sacked some 850 employees after its mega alliance with Kingfisher Airlines and had said it could dismiss another 1,100-odd in a cost-cutting move. Goyal Thursday night decided to take back all the sacked employees.
Stressing that the government was committed to the welfare of the common man, Ahmad hinted that it might review petroleum prices.
“We will have a meeting with the finance minister to discuss the petroleum prices in reference to its dipping prices in the international market. We want the common man to get essential commodities at reasonable prices,” he said.
Commenting on the government’s former ally, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Ahmad accused it of being hand-in-glove with the the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
“By opposing the Congress and trying to advise voters to reject the Congress, it (CPI-M) is helping the BJP. They know that either the Congress or the BJP will come to power. So if they don’t want Congress in power, this means they want BJP to be the ruling party,” he said.