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The Rediff Interview/ Buta Singh

'I have done nothing wrong'

Once among the most powerful men in Rajiv Gandhi's Union Cabinet, former home minister Buta Singh finds himself cornered. After he was sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment by special judge Ajit Bharihoke along with former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao in the JMM bribery case, Buta Singh has so far not got any support from the Congress party.

While it did issue a statement mentioning Rao, not a word was said about Buta Singh, who had allegedly committed the crime of gathering parliamentary support for Rao's Congress government in 1993.

"What can I say if the party leaders have refused to back me? I am a small human being. Rao was prime minister so they have mentioned his name," Singh told Onkar Singh in an exclusive interview.

The Congress has said Rao has the right to appeal against the JMM judgment. But not a word was said about you. What do you have to say about it?

What can I say if the party leaders have refused to back me! I am a small human being. Rao was prime minister of the country so they have mentioned him by name. I am not disappointed because when the chips are down people tend to ignore you.

Did you meet Rao during the last ten days?

Yes, since the two of us were fighting the same case he had to discuss the matter very often. But what transpired between us is not for the media's consumption.

What was your reaction when you heard the judgment?

I was shocked when Rao and I were found guilty, but not now. I was prepared for the worst. I am taking the whole thing in my stride.

Are you planning to resign from the Lok Sabha?

Why should I? I think you are not acquainted with the law of the land and parliamentary procedures. I have the right to appeal and I will be going in for appeal in the Delhi high court. I will go to the Supreme Court if required.

Do you still consider yourself innocent?

Of course I am innocent. I have done nothing wrong in gathering support for my party and government which was then being led by Narasimha Rao. In parliamentary democracy ruling parties the world over seek the help of other parties to ensure that they have the required majority to run the government. Similarly I talked to JMM leaders and sought their support.

Seeking support is one thing, but paying money for that support is another thing?

How can you say this? Even Shailendra Mahto did not say I offered any money to JMM leaders.

If you did not offer them money than why did they vote for your government in the no-confidence motion?

We had promised to form the Jharkhand council. We also discussed a number of other things related to Jharkhand but money was not discussed at any stage during the negotiations that I had with the JMM leaders to seek their support. You should go through the judgment. My only fault is that I held negotiations with the JMM leaders.

Then why have you been punished?

I still cannot understand it. The judge has held us guilty and we are going in for appeal against the judgment in the Delhi high court. I am confident that we will get justice from the high court. The Supreme Court has already given a judgment saying that if members of the Lok Sabha or legislators vote even after taking money there is nothing wrong. But I never gave money or took it.

Would you do it again if you got a chance?

Of course I would it again. I am convinced that I have done nothing wrong. Time and again I have said this and I am saying this again. I have done my duty under the parliamentary system. So long as I live, if I get a chance to do it again.

You have no regrets for what you have done?

Regret for what?

See full coverage on the JMM bribery case

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