'A Point Of Principle'

I share the concern that has been expressed in this matteron all sides of the House. When I came to know of the denial of visa to ShriModi, yesterday, I immediately instructed our external affairs minister to callthe US ambassador and explain to them that we are greatly concerned and wegreatly regret the decision that has been taken by the United States government.

The government has taken note of developments arising from the decisionof the government of the United States of America to deny the request of theChief Minister of Gujarat , Shri Narendra Modi, for a government visa. The governmentis also greatly concerned by the further decision of the UnitedStates to revoke other categories of visas already issued to Shri Modi.

Hon. Members of this August house would be aware of the fact that our foreignsecretary , yesterday summoned the deputy chief of the U.S. mission in New Delhito convey strong demarche on the decision of the U.S. government . Our governmenthas clearly pointed out our very deep concern and regret over theU.S. decision to deny a visa to a constitutionally elected Chief Minister of astate of our union. We have observed that this uncalled for decision betrays alack of sensitivity and due courtesy to an elected authority.

The U.S. government has been clearly told of our concern at this development.We have also called for the urgent re-consideration of this decision by theUnited States government. The American government has alsobeen clearly informed that while we respect their sovereign right to grant orrefuse visas to any person, we do not believe that it is appropriate to useallegations or anything less than due process to make a subjective judgment toquestion a constitutional authority in India.

We agree that this is not a matter of partisan politics, but rather amatter of concern over a point of principle. I think , the government’s promptand firm response clearly shows our principled stand in this matter.