---

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia) : Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to submit briefly that some days ago I had raised the matter about the court’s decision regarding the installation of the statue of Gandhiji at India Gate and the directive to the Government to take a decision by 4th August in that regard. So far the Government has made no response. Shri Narasimha Rao had proposed to build a August Kranti Udyan and the whole House had expressed its unanimity on it. I feel sorry that neither there has been a reaction from the Government nor a single line about this matter has appeared in the newspapers of the country. On the other hand, what is appearing in the newspaper is that was right thing to kill Gandhi. Not only that an interview of a gentleman has appeared in leading newspapers stating that a man like Gandhi would be killed if he were to be born again. Such news items are appearing at a time when the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its independence. I would like to submit.... (Interruptions) Nothing positive will come out by saying ‘shame’ I would humbly submit to the Members that we are being ashamed in the country for what we are doing. But either the Government should take decision in regard to build the park before August 15th or it should make clear through a statement that there is no place for Gandhiji. In this golden jubilee of the freedom fighters, just because some intellectuals assert that the architectural beauty of the Lutyens will be lost.

The documents have been submitted in the High Court stating that the statue of Gandhiji is nothing but a caricature. It has been stressed that if the statue of Gandhiji is installed, it will be an aesthetic vandalism. Though the Court has given its verdict, yet I do not know whether the Government would be able to take decision in this regard by the 15th August or not.

I would like to tell the leader of the Opposition as well as the Leader of the House that it is very serious matter. We should protest against every move that goes against the image of the country and attempts to erase the symbols of the country.