Environment minister had said that the Home Ministry was "overly defensive" and "alarmist" in its approach towards the entry of Chinese companies in India.
Minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh, under fire for his comments against the functioning of the home ministry in dealing with China-specific issues, finally had an one-on-one meeting with P Chidambaram on Wednesday.
The meeting lasted just 10 minutes. The meeting’s short duration clearly showed that despite the “apology”, ice has not melted. Sources close to Ramesh said he offered an “explanation” about the context in which the statement was made in Beijing. Home ministry sources said he “apologised” for shooting off his mouth in the Chinese capital.
Had it not been the case, Ramesh would not have taken three days to walk up to his senior ministerial colleague. Following a snub from prime minister Manmohan Singh, Ramesh was asked to directly settle the issue with Chidambaram or face the consequences for his remarks.
Appearing from his office after the meeting, Chidambaram looked calm and relaxed. On seeing the waiting media, he merrily walked up to his official car, busy talking on his mobile.
Asked whether Ramesh had come to offer an apology, Chidambaram responded with a smile and left. Ramesh had left minutes before without commenting.
Ramesh’s remarks had evoked a strong response from the prime minister. Singh had reprimanded him over the phone. He was directed not to comment about the working of other ministries.
Chidambaram had quietly written a letter to Singh, expressing his displeasure over Ramesh’s remark. In a subtle expression of his anger, the home minister had sought the PM’s permission on whether he should react to media reports that had quoted Ramesh passing adverse remarks on the home ministry’s stand on China-related issues.
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