Click to play videoNew Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP and CPI-M politburo member Brinda Karat has refused to comment on West Bengal Governor's comments on the Nandigram issue, but suggested that the Governor should have waited for the CBI inquiry report.
In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN’s Karan Thapar on Devil’s Advocate, Karat defends her stand.
Karan Thapar: Mrs Karat, let’s turn to the statement issued by the Governor Gopal Gandhi on March 14. He asks - ' Was this spilling of human blood not avoidable?’ What's your answer?
Brinda Karat: I can't comment.
Karan Thapar: I am not asking you to comment, I am asking you to answer it.
Brinda Karat: I'd prefer not to answer that.
Karan Thapar: ...because it's embarrassing?
Brinda Karat: Not because its embarrassing, because there's a context to it and there's an inquiry and investigation which is on, which would answer the governor's questions.
Karan Thapar: The governor also said that 'I leave it to the conscience of the officials responsible to atone for the events in the manner that they deem fit’. First of all do you believe that atonement is called for?
Brinda Karat: I really can't say. That's the governor's sentiment. As far as we are concerned, there's an investigation that is on. The investigation is expected to pinpoint responsibility.
Karan Thapar: If the governor has asked for atonement in advance of that enquiry being completed, are you suggesting that he is jumping the gun?
Brinda Karat: That's for you to decide. As far as I am concerned, certainly the answer to that question is I would wait for the investigation and the enquiry.
Watch the full interview with Brinda Karat on Devil’s Advocate on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 2030 hrs (IST). The transcript will be available on IBNlive.com
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.