Team-Annas PM remarks distasteful: Oscar

DAVANAGERE: Stating that the freedom of expression is a given to all, AICC secretary and former Union minister Oscar Fernandes termed Team Anna’s comments against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as distasteful and unfortunate.Speaking during his visit to oversee preparations for AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s tour here on Wednesday, he decried that the comments being directed at a ‘honest’ and ‘sincere personality’ such as Singh.Fernandes pointed out that the Lokayukta Bill was discussed in both the houses of the Parliament and that the Congress was going the extra mile to fight corruption.He termed the recent price hike in petrol as necessary citing increasing import and other costs on petroleum products.On the DMK’s threat to withdraw its support from the UPA government on the issue, Oscar said: “The DMK is one of the trusted allies of the UPA government; it will not withdraw its support.”Fernandes continued: “Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state will invigorate the Congress and have a positive impact on the youth.Other parties had got the fruit of his labour in Uttar Pradesh; however, we are happy that a corrupt government has been ousted there.”He cast aspersions on the relief amount sought by the state government in its memorandum submitted to the Centre to tackle the drought, stating that there were inconsistencies between it and an earlier memorandum submitted to the Centre.“The Centre will release funds based on formula of losses prepared by Calamity Relief Fund Disbursement department.”