New Delhi, Feb 26: Former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma today said Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was ''a migratory bird''instead of Dr Najma Heptulla and that Heptulla was free to join any party of her choice. ''The Congress has no right to call Heptulla an opportunist or migratory bird when their leader herself has migrated to India from a foreign country,'' Mr Sangma told reporters here.
The Congress, reacting to the Rajya Sabha's praise of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and criticism of Gandhi, had described her as a migratory bird which leaves its native place in winter and returns in spring. ''Heptulla is the country's most respected leader abroad in the recent times and among the efficient politicians of the country. She has every right to join any party to continue in active politics,'' he added.
''She is the longest serving deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and there is nothing wrong if she seeks reelection to the post. P M Sayeed is a ten time MP from Lakshadweep,'' the former Union minister pointed out.
Bureau Report