Congress keeps away from Singhvi CD controversy

New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) Steering clear of the CD controversy involving Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the Congress Wednesday termed the issue as a "personal matter" and refused to confirm or deny if the party's chief spokesperson had been taken off the duty roster.

Party spokesperson Raashid Alvi declined to comment on the CD controversy but said Singhvi had not addressed the party briefing Monday as he was unwell.

"He (Singhvi) was to brief on Monday but he conveyed he was unwell and would not come. Our information is only this, nothing beyond," Alvi told reporters.

Asked if Singhvi will address the media next Monday, Alvi said: "It was a personal matter concerning him. We have no information."

Alvi sidestepped a question whether Singhvi will continue to be a spokesperson.

"Question does not arise whether he will continue or not," Alvi said.

Singhvi, who normally briefs the media Monday, had said earlier in the day that speculation over him should stop.

Congress sources said Singhvi was unlikely to be fielded in party briefings till the CD controversy subsides or gets resolved.

Senior Congress leaders are maintaining a silence over the controversy.

The Delhi High Court had restrained media houses from publishing the contents of the CD allegedly containing material which Singhvi termed as defamatory and fabricated.

Singhvi had claimed that such a CD either does not exist and if it does, it is clearly and obviously morphed, fabricated and forged.