This refers to ‘For most junior ministers, it’s no work and all play’, August 10. I would like to put on record certain objective as well as subjective facts and positions that are totally contrary to the letter and spirit of the said piece.
One, I am not a ‘victim’ working under a ‘heavy weight’ senior. Heavy weight as my senior in the ministry Shri P Chidambaram may be by all accounts, the weight of his intellect, seniority and experience has instead of being an impediment, resulted in an inclusive style of functioning with ample delegation to his junior colleagues on all accounts. The point obviously being that instead of victimising, his seniority has enabled him to delegate and his guidance has facilitated my understanding and decisions on matters of crucial importance.
Two, I am, by no means, ‘unhappy’ since my hands are full with not only left-wing extremism under my charge but also many other important divisions including representation on the Group of Ministers on the Commonwealth Games on the recommendation of Shri Chidambaram himself.
Moreover, the statement ‘Shri Chidambaram is handling the Naxal menace directly’ is mischievous. I would again like to put on record here that nothing could be farther from truth since all relevant aspects of Naxal issue — issues and approaches of crucial importance and sensitivity — are exhaustively discussed between us.
Ajay Maken,
Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs New Delhi