Cong embarrassed over Natwar's privilege notice

New Delhi, Aug 6: Faced with the embarrassment of former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh giving a notice for breach of privilege against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha, the Congress today appeared to have adopted a 'wait and watch' policy till the tabling of Pathak Authority Report and ATR in Parliament.

The Congress refrained from commenting anything on the rebellious mood of Mr Natwar Singh following the report indicting him for misusing his position. Mr Singh has threatened to open a can of worms if pushed to a corner by the Congress party.

Both Mr Natwar Singh and the Congress were accused of being a non-contractual beneficiary of the UN oil-for-food programme. The Pathak Authority is believed to have exonerated the Congress but held Mr Natwar Singh guilty of misusing his position in securing oil deals by writing recommendation letters as the then chairperson of the Congress Foreign Cell.

Mr Singh and the Opposition are agitated over the select leak of the Pathak panel report even before it was tabled in Parliament. He, along with the Samajwadi Party, has given in notice for breach of privilege against the Prime Minister to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, which is likely to be moved in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi appealed to Mr Natwar Singh on behalf of the Congress to exercise restraint in making statements.

Mr Natwar Sigh, in the interim, today said he would not comment on anything until the ATR and Pathak Authority Report is tabled in Parliament.

UNI

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