New Delhi: A top British MP of Indian
origin Keith Vaz on Thursday expressed hope that the anti-graft
crusade by Anna Hazare would be resolved to the satisfaction
of everyone concerned.
"I have no take on this issue. I am a British MP of
Indian origin," Vaz, who is here on a visit, told reporters.
"I think this is entirely a matter for the Indian
people and for Anna and the Government. I don`t think I have
any role in giving advice," Vaz, who serves as the Chairman of
the influential Home Affairs Committee of the House of
Commons, said.
"I am watching with interest what is happening and I
very much hope that the matter would be resolved to the
satisfaction of everyone concerned," Vaz, who is the longest
serving person of Asian origin in the British Parliament said,
while evading repeated questions on Anna`s high-profile
campaign that has got international attention.
Asked about the response to Hazare`s campaign among
people of Indian origin in the UK, he said he was not aware of
it.
"I am very interested. I think it is a social
phenomenon. I didn`t know people joining in the United
Kingdom. We have 2.5 million people of Indian origin living in
United Kingdom. And I`m sure that they will watch Indian
Television," he said.
"I would go back and get the views of my constituents
when I go back .... I myself is listening to the media here,
reading about what is happening and very interested and I
think in the end of the day this is a matter for the Indian
government and the Indian people.
"The issues of course are common and we have our own
way dealing with these issues in UK," Vaz said.
Asked to comment on the scams surrounding the Delhi
Commonwealth Games, the British parliamentarian evaded a
direct comment but stressed that one also has to look into the
legacy left by the major sporting event.
"You have to look at the legacy left by the CWG," he
said, noting that the swanky new international airport in
Delhi was one of the best in the world.
On a question whether he was aware of corruption and
bribery in the London Olympic Games preparations, Vaz said he
was not. At the same time, he said that if there was
corruption in the London Olympic Games preparations, the
country had a tough legal system and any one committing
criminal offence would be dealt with.
PTI
