Congress defends Dasmunsi on Sanjay Dutt

New Delhi, Aug 1 (UNI) The Congress today said there was nothing wrong in the statement of Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi asserting that Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was not a terrorist.

"Mr Dasmunsi was expressing a personal opinion and there is absolutely nothing wrong in saying so," party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons at the AICC headquarters here, reacting to the Union Minister's observation that he stood by Sanjay Dutt, who was sentenced to six years imprisonment in Mumbai serial blasts case yesterday.

"Congress believes...ultimately, it is the appellate process, which has just begun, that will take its course," he said.

In this context, he said no political party or any individual could jump the appellate process. Definitely, Sanjay Dutt would also use the appellate process.

Asked what was the official reaction of the Congress on the matter as Sanjay Dutt's family had close connection with the party, Dr Singhvi said "I absolutely disagree that the Congress has to have official stand on individual matters." "It is not fair to express any views on a matter of sub-judice from this podium," he said, adding that "these are matters which are decided by the court on the basis of hardcore evidence." Asked if the Congress has any sympathy for Sanjay Dutt, he said "these are all subjective matters." UNI SH SK RN1807