Govt denies reports of ''midnight drama'' by Anand Sharma

New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) The government today denied and expressed surprise at media reports that Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma had created a ''midnight drama'' at the IGI airport last week when he was to leave for New York.

Media reports here said that after being denied the privileges that he is not officially entitled to, Mr Sharma had got into an ugly confrontation with CISF officials at the IGI airport.

Mr Sharma was to take the Air India flight to London on the night of April 20. The External Affairs Ministry, which handles protocol at IGIA's ceremonial lounge, had arranged for Mr Sharma's access even though he is not officially entitled to use this facility, the report said.

''We are surprised to see this report regarding Minister of State Shri Anand Sharma's visit to New York. The Minister of State left for an official visit to New York in the morning. Hence there is no question of any midnight drama,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said here today in response to a question.

He said the arrival and departure of Ministers in the MEA on official visit is handled by Protocol Division as per standard practice as was the case on this occasion also.

''All security procedures are always kept in mind as also are the protocol requirements on such visits,'' the spokesman added.

The problem started when CISF personnel on duty there insisted that the Minister undergo pre-embarkation-immigration and security-checks just like any other passenger and reach the boarding gate through the normal channel.

Mr Sharma, however, reportedly insisted on using the special passage meant for VVIPs on the list of 23 persons/categories exempt from such checks.

UNI