Krishna''s faux pas sends "wrong" message: Sukhbir

Jalandhar, Feb 14 (PTI) Punjab Deputy Chief MinisterSukhbir Singh Badal today said the faux pas by ExternalAffairs Minister S M Krishna at the United Nations in has senta "wrong message" about India''s seriousness in bid for apermanent seat in the Security Council.

He alleged the "unfortunate episode" has reflected Indiain a poor light in the international diplomatic fora.

Answering questions of mediapersons here, Badal questioned"how can we expect that such an External Affair Minister toprotect India''s position in the UN on sensitive issues likeJammu and Kashmir?"

He said at a time when India is trying hard to secure apermanent seat in the Security Council, the blunder by theExternal Affairs Minister has sent a wrong message regardingthe seriousness of India on this front".

Krishna had last week inadvertently begun reading outfrom the speech of Portugal Foreign Minister''s speech beforehe realized the mistake.

Badal said the series of alleged scams in telecom andspace sectors have sent "shock waves" among the community ofForeign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and there had been"record withdrawal" of investment by them in the last fewdays.

Asked about former chief minister Amarinder Singh''scomments about writing to the union government to stop the Rs3500 crores grant sought by Punjab government, Badal repliedAmarinder was "living in a world of hallucinations fearing hiscertain drubbing in ensuing assembly elections and he wasinventing new mantras every day to keep his depleting flock ofself-seeker followers together".