Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy on Sunday said the Congress stand on the release of convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case would not affect the chances of entering into electoral understanding with political parties in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
He told reporters here that the Congress could not forgive the assassins. There was no change in the party’s stand that the convicts should be executed. It would continue to oppose at various forums the Tamil Nadu government’s decision. Other parties could take a different stand to gain political advantage. But it would no way affect the fortunes of the Congress’ electoral alliance in Tamil Nadu and the party couldn’t be isolated for taking a strong stand on the important issue.
The Tamil Nadu government had gone beyond its power in the matter. The charges against the convicts had been proved in all courts. The commutation of death sentence to life was only on the basis that the decision on mercy petition was delayed. Alleging that the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) was adopting double standard on the issue, he said the Tamil Nadu had opposed the plea of Nalini, one of the convicts, to go on parole. But, within a few days it decided to release all convicts from the jail. Moreover, the AIADMK, which was in forefront against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had now taken a different stand in supporting the case of Rajiv Gandhi killers.
Demanding that Chief Minister Jayalalithaa must review its decision on releasing the convicts, Mr. Narayanasamy said the government should not protect those involved in heinous crime.
