When asked about the ordinances, Tewari said, “there was a discussion around the issue. It was felt that these are extremely important legislations that have a bearing on national life. So in the light of highest traditions of democracy, it would perhaps be advisable to allow full deliberation by the legislature.”
He said there was a view that some of these proposed legislations are pending before the Parliamentary Standing Committees and it was decided that “normal legislative route” be followed.
He insisted that this should not be construed as any dilution of Congress' commitment towards these measures, which remain an “article of faith” for the party.
“We will ensure that after fullest deliberations by the legislature, these measures which are conceived by the Congress are translated into a reality,” the minister said.
Tewari used the occasion to attack BJP, saying the opposition party repeatedly disrupted Parliament for the last five years, thus scutting deliberations on these measures.
“There is a huge difference between the talk and actions by BJP,” he said, adding the Congress party will highlight this during campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls.
Tewari, who was flanked by Cabinet colleague Jairam Ramesh, said the Congress has anyhow taken strict action, without even waiting for a court determination, whenever any instance of corruption or graft has come to light.
Updated on: March 03, 2014 6:15 IST
