Search for scapegoat begins

SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CANAL PROJECT ROW

The Congress is now trying to find a fall guy for the government's Ram Sethu blunder. A number of ministers and party leaders are busy probing how portions doubting the existence of Ram got into the affidavit the government filed in the Supreme Court.

Law Minister HR Bhradwaj has asked the officials to identify the culprit while Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni is looking into the role of the officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which submitted the affidavit. The Congress is also doing its bit.

"We are trying to fix responsibility. An investigation is going on. Just wait for a day or two. Everything will be clear," said party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

The CPI(M), which has put the government on tenterhooks over the nuclear deal with the US, has supported the government.

The Politburo today appreciated the "appropriate decision to withdraw certain paragraphs in the affidavit," also maintaining that "there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that a man-made structure, the Adams Bridge (the Ram Sethu), exists. What exists are natural formations."

Soni, who is abroad and is expected to be back tonight, didn't take a chance and called up 10, Janpath to give her explanation. Her aides also contacted the media to sell the ministry's story.

Bhardwaj, whose ministry felt the initial ire of many Congressmen, is not ready to take the blame. He said he could not be faulted and added, "We are looking into the entire process of the making of the affidavit."

Whatever different leaders may say, it is clear that the Congress leadership is on a shaky ground and is desperately trying to find a scapegoat.