by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
Exclusive
Harish Gupta
New Delhi, April 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done it what none of his predecessors ever did it. In a rare move that surprised the political & bureaucratic world, Modi deputed Attorney General of India Mukul Rohtagi to represent India at the International Human Rights conference to be held in Geneva.
Normally, a senior minister of the government or bureaucrats in the Ministry of External or Home affairs are deputed to represent the country at the crucial Human Rights conference organized by the United Nations. Since India is always under attack for human rights violations, seasoned politicians and diplomats are sent.
But Modi picked up Mukul Rohtagi to represent India for the international conference in Geneva beginning May 2. The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States. The 27th session of the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May. The Human Rights situation is under review by the Council in all 193 UN member States and crucial for India considering the situation in J &K and Naxal-hit areas.
It transpires that Modi decided to send Rohtagi not only to strongly defend India at the international body but also to stress the need for the global community to realize the dangers of terrorism and how it will engulf the humanity itself.
Since Rohtagi has been defending the government at various forums including the Supreme Court, the PM was immensely impressed by his forthright approach in expressing the government view.
Though eyebrows have been raised in the government over Modi’s decision. But it is realised by knowledgeable persons in the government that he is the best person to represent India under the present circumstances.
Rohtagi has also been given a free hand to pick his own team of delegation. Instead of a huge delegation, Rohtagi is taking along handful of members.
