Cong not allowing collective decision-making, laments Arjun

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) Veteran Congress leader and Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh has expressed anguish over deviation from the established procedure of decision-making in the party, saying it is providing an opportunity to some sections to flout the High Command's directives and orders.

Mr Singh has made this observation in an interview in a book, ''Mohin Kahan Vishram'' (No Time for Rest to Me) , which is to be released by President Pratibha Patil on Friday.

The book, based on the life and times of Mr Singh, encomapsses his views on a wide spectrum of issues, including politics, sex education and films.

Asked about the directives and orders of the High Commands in various political parties, he said the Congress had always allowed freedom to its leaders to contribute in decision-making before a final outcome was reached.

''But this process has now come under stress,'' he lamented, and said he followed any stand the party took.

Mr Singh said since the inputs of various leaders are not taken into consideration while making a decision, several of them do not feel associated with the postures of the party.

Recently the HRD Minister had come under fire for his advocacy of making Mr Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister. The AICC, while slamming his stand, had maintained that the party had no place for sycophancy and had apprecaited the contribution of Dr Manmohan Singh.

Yesterday, former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member Akhilesh Das had resigned from the party and Parliament, alleging that a coterie had surrounded Rahul Gandhi and was not allowing him to take independent decisions.

The Congress had, however, trashed his allegations, terming the move as an instance of rank opportunism.

UNI SKS-NAB AS1811