Singh backed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s demand for a Dalit representative on the 10-member government-civil society committee, though he has been her bitter critic. "The demand is just," Singh said, adding nothing could be done now because the bill drafting panel has already started its work, but the "demand is valid".
Mayawati Friday demanded an "apolitical Scheduled Caste member" in the panel to give a representation to marginalised sections.
Khurshid, one of the 10 members on the panel, told reporters here that "there is no question of changing the committee members."
"I (and) other nine colleagues are concerned about forming a good bill. We will not be distracted by any controversy or claims outside the committee. These are independent matters and are apart from what we are doing in the committee," Khurshid said about the controversy over the panel.
The panel of five activists and five ministers assigned to draft a new anti-graft law has been the subject of many rows after it was formed April 9 following days of nationwide protests against rampant corruption in the country.
Two prominent activists in the committee, Shanti Bhushan and son Prashant have themselves been accused of graft, sullying the reputation of the panel.
Justice N. Santosh Hegde, one of the members, has also threatened to quit over the "vilification campaign".
The Karnataka ombudsman was disturbed by Digvijay Singh’s remarks accusing him of failing to curb corruption in the state.
But Khurshid said he respected Hegde and was looking forward to have him in the panel.
"I value his contributions enormously and hold him in high respect. I hope he will be able to be with us. We want his contributions. We are looking forward to having his inputs and we sincerely hope so," Khurshid said, on the sidelines of a function here.
The minority affairs minister said: "We are neither endorsing anyone nor speaking against anyone. We are not concerned about anything beyond the committee."
Asked about Mayawati’s demand, Khurshid said: "We should trust the ten members. Let them present their product. We should give them a chance. After the product comes out, we can see and examine it and put forth our objections, if any."
Hegde has opposed Mayawati’s demand saying: "If you have to have any caste-wise representation, then this committee can never be constituted."