No confrontation between Centre and judiciary: Venkaiah

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on June 14 said there was no confrontation between the judiciary and the government.

Speaking about Congress, the senior cabinet minister said that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was an "able" leader, but she "lacked confidence".

"There is no confrontation between the judiciary and government. We got the mandate and are functioning according to it. We do our work according to our mandate," Naidu said, speaking to reporters.

He was replying to a question about reports that the Supreme Court collegium had turned down several suggestions of the Union government including that about introduction of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' as the criterion for judges' elevation.

About the Delhi government's bill to exclude the post of Parliamentary Secretary from the definition of office of profit which has been refused assent by the President, Naidu said the bill was unconstitutional.

"Now it seems that (Delhi Chief Minister) Kejriwal has realised it," he said.

When asked about reports that similar appointments were also made in the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, the Union Urban Development Minister said such appointments were against the Constitution.

Talking about Congress, Naidu said it was shrinking and weakening with every passing day, and witnessing a massive exodus.

"It is losing public base. Congress's approach is negative inside the Parliament and in public," he added.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi was "a good and able leader, but lacks confidence," he remarked.