I withdraw from elections: Jagdish Tytler

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The Congress has finally bowed to Sikh anger. Four-time Congress MP Jagdish Tytler did strike a defiant posture in the beginning, but finally withdrew his candidature as he felt his party was deeply embarrassed by the latest controversy.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview:

CNN-IBN: The ghost of 1984 riots has come back to haunt the Congress? You have now decided to leave your candidature to the party high command. Have you had a word with them? Did their words influence you?

Jagdish Tytler: Not at all. When I saw the kind of tamasha that was made out of the entire issue I think it is an embarrassment for the party. The people of this country are watching television day and night and the right picture is not being put in front of them. What you are seeing is a distorted picture. Even today there isn't a single case on me. CBI has not even questioned me today.

CNN-IBN: But you have been to the CBI office.

Jagdish Tytler: Yes, but to give the film.

CNN-IBN: The Doordarshan film you mean?

Jagdish Tytler: Yes.

CNN-IBN: If you are not guilty and if there is not a shred of evidence against you then what is forcing you to stand your ground and say ‘I will fight because I am innocent’?

Jagdish Tytler: The kind of atmosphere that you people have created is vicious. It is the worst word that I can use.

CNN-IBN: Do you feel betrayed by your own party, the Congress? BJP had also in some way given you a clean chit.

Jagdish Tytler: I cannot say this because the party has never told me to take a decision like this.

CNN-IBN: The Congress leadership in Punjab has openly said that the Congress high command should take a decision keeping in mind the emotions of the Sikh community.

Jagdish Tytler: I have read the letter. The Deputy Spokesman said a vicious atmosphere has been created, so it is best that he doesn't fight the elections. That is the word he used.

CNN-IBN: But you have done exactly what he has suggested.

Jagdish Tytler: It is alright. It is party work.

CNN-IBN: After being an MP four times, how does it feel when such things are said?

Jagdish Tytler: I work for the party.

CNN-IBN: Will you campaign for other Congress candidates in Delhi?

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Jagdish Tytler: Of course, it depends on whoever calls me. In such matters the party takes the decisions. It is the party that sends you to different places.

CNN-IBN: Put your hand on your heart and say that if your party tells you not to campaign, are you going to sit at home?

Jagdish Tytler: No, no. You see, I am a member of the campaign and publicity committee. I am part of all this with Rahul Gandhi. So it is not like I am not working.

CNN-IBN: You will be seen with Rahul Gandhi in future?

Jagdish Tytler: Whenever he needs me I will be there.

CNN-IBN: What is your role in the party?

Jagdish Tytler: The Congress will decide what they want to do with me.

CNN-IBN: Do you think Jarnail Singh's action was politically motivated?

Jagdish Tytler: Of course. I have people here who tell me that they know him well and it was all pre-planned. Did you see the way he threw the shoe? He did not throw the shoe at him (P Chidambaram). He threw it sideways. It was just for publicity. I have been told this by the Badal's group's youth president. You can ask him. And I am saying this because he told me so.

CNN-IBN: Will you go to the Sikh community and say that whatever happened in 1984 is a shame, you apologise and say let’s move ahead?

Jagdish Tytler: These words have been repeated many times. The four elections I have fought, I have never lost from a Sardar constituency. So I don't have to reach out to them. I have to reach out to the media.

CNN-IBN: But you have to withdraw because of them.

Jagdish Tytler: I am withdrawing because of the media.

CNN-IBN: When will you meet the Congress President?

Jagdish Tytler: I am going to ask her. I will meet her as soon as she gives me time.

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