President office distances itself from Arjun's book

NOTHING TO DO: Rashtrapati Bhawan - itself in the eye of storm - has distanced itself from the controversial book.

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New Delhi: Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh released his autobiography Mohe Kahan Vishraam (No Time To Rest) with President Pratibha Patil and PM Manmohan Singh in attendance.

However, both the Congress and Rashtrapati Bhavan are now distancing themselves from the controversial book chronicling Arjun Singh's career.

Within hours after the book launch, the President’s office issued a clarification, saying, “The factual position is that the book was released by the Speaker and a copy was presented to the President.”

Considered a Gandhi family loyalist, Arjun has been sidelined of late in party affairs.

Recently, he tried to annoint Rahul Gandhi as the future PM but was snubbed by the party high command. Yet, he managed to survive.

In an uncomfortable observation, the survivor from Churhat in Madhya Pradesh has questioned the functioning of the party. In the book he says, “In the past there were many more occasions to express ones’ views and now since people do not feel part of that process, there are no qualms in disobeying the diktats.”

Accused of being anti-Sonia, Arjun took on his critics at the book release function. “Loyalty is now measured in limited terms,” he said, adding, “Nehru Gandhi family is aware who are really loyal and who pretend to be.”

Congress is not taking the attack on 10 Janpath lying down. “Sonia ji consults everyone in party matters,” said party leader Veerappa Moily.

While not many in the Congress dare to think and speak freely, Arjun has often got away. It’s an acknowledgment of the shrewdness and indispensability of this master strategist.