Rahul Gandhi’s outburst over the ordinance on convicted law-makers is “embarrassing” and the situation “could have been handled better”, said Union Minister for Heavy Industries and NCP leader Praful Patelon Saturday.

The Nationalist Congress Party is a constituent of the UPA Government.

“I think the way the events have come out, it is very unfortunate. It could have been handled in a better way…it was embarrassing,” he said. Patel was speaking to press persons on the sidelines of the AGM of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce.

“The decision has been taken by the Cabinet and only the Cabinet can reverse the decision,” he said. The ‘onus’ is now on the Congress to “clear the air of misunderstanding”, he said. “It should not be put on other political parties.”

Earlier, when the Bill was discussed, all political parties had “almost unanimously agreed” to place it before Parliament, he added.

The only difference of opinion was whether to bring the Bill in the monsoon or winter session or send it to the standing committee.

“Beyond that, I did not see any difference of (opinion among) any political party,” Patel said.

> abhishek.l@thehindu.co.in

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