probe in depth
   Date :02-Jul-2020

Rajiv Gandhi Foundation_1
 
 
THE current imbroglio involving Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) has multiple ramifications that actually call for an in-depth investigation to find out the underlying truth about not just the funds and the channels through which those came, but also the manner of its purpose and management. No matter the fact that the whole controversy has a distinct political angle, which makes it vulnerable to be misunderstood as a narrow issue. But going by the details of allegations involving not just funds from foreign sources but also from erstwhile government channels, it becomes necessary to suggest an in-depth investigation into the affairs of the RGF so that the truth -- on either side of the divide -- comes out and all questions and doubts and misconceptions are sorted out in a satisfactory manner.
 
This suggestion is purely from one angle -- that the institution involves the name of a Prime Minister who had endeared himself to common people like few others did. Let alone the details of his five-year regime that brought mixed results to India, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi was one person whose presence made a positive impact on the Indian polity of that time. He was a people’s darling and everybody felt that Destiny had dealt to him a few cruel blows that he did not deserve. Hence the suggestion that a detailed investigation into the affairs of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation would serve a useful purpose in the long run. The purpose behind this suggestion, thus, is purely apolitical, and motivated by a desire to help people of India know the truth -- again, on either side of the divide. The principal allegation involves the funds taken by the RGF from foreign sources, especially the Chinese.
 
As these details have emerged from the tangle, another past allegation also has sprung up -- that during the Doka La face-off in 2017, Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi had reportedly met some Chinese diplomats. We refuse to attribute any motives to that rendezvous, if it really took place as alleged; but realise the importance of people’s right to know the truth. Hence our suggestion for institution of an impartial investigation into the affairs of the RGF. The allegations that are now doing the rounds in the political as well as media circles involve not just about funds but also about how the outfit reportedly cornered a lot of government money that it got from various central ministries in the Government headed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
 
It is also being alleged that some such funds were accrued to the RGF from various welfare schemes. Some allegations also cover areas such as the legality of the premises that the RGF was given for its operations -- how a private outfit could be given Government property to run its show, for example. It carries little sense to believe blindly in one-sided allegations particularly when they are coming from political quarters. But it makes a complete sense to suggest a detailed investigation into the correctness of the allegations. If the allegations are proved wrong, the people making those could be punished without fear or favour. But if there is any substance in the allegations, then the people have a full right to know the truth.
 
Hence the suggestion to institute a no-nonsense inquiry into the charges against the RGF. In the delicateness of the given socio-political situation, Indian nerves are taut and close to a snap-point. This reality makes it imperative to have unnecessary doubts cleared if they involve a personage as important as Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Certain allegations against the managers of the RGF have serious ramifications, making it imperative for the people to know the truth, which should come out so that the people know things as they happen to be -- without bias, without political motive, without any personalised angles of animus or alliance. If there are some elements that abused the concept of RGF, then those should be brought to book. If there are some who are faking issues, then those, too, should not be spared. Hence the suggestion of an in-depth probe.