The BJP’s four top women leaders — Sushma Swaraj, Vasundhara Raje, Smriti Irani and Pankaja Munde — are on the target of the Opposition parties over the question of probity. The Congress, along with the left parties, on Thursday stepped up pressure on the BJP and the Narendra Modi Government to sack the four and threatened to stall the Parliament and State Assemblies, besides launching a mass agitation against “corruption in NDA” if action is not initiated immediately.
The Congress argued that the BJP has no space to maneuver after documents, showing Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje signing an affidavit before UK Foreign Office favouring former IPl chief lalit Modi’s immigration case, have surfaced. The party said Raje needs to step down immediately as her continuance as Rajasthan CM has become untenable. Congress leader Sachin Pilot alleged that BJP can no longer “continue to defend the indefensible” and it was only trying to “buy time”.
“Unfortunately for them (BJP), they have to realise the inescapable truth is that she has broken the law. She has transgressed Indian law knowingly and the flying statement which shows that she was trying to help lalit Modi get travel documents is in violation of Indian law and by no account can the BJP continue to defend the indefensible,” Pilot said.
“There cannot be two laws in this country, one for common citizens and one for high-ranking BJP officials. Therefore, I think it is in the best interest of the State and also of BJP to ask the CM to put in her papers as soon as possible,” he added.
The Congress also questioned Prime Minister Modi’s reluctance in taking action against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the ‘lalitgate’ issue. “BJP does not take even five minutes in firing Home Secretary, Finance Secretary and External Affairs Secretary on any issue but they are not taking action against BJP leaders even as they are accepting their role. This shows the double standards of BJP. They believe in one set of principles for others, and another for their own leaders. Why is the Prime Minister shying away from making any comment on itIJ What is the cause for this silence. Why is the BJP refraining from taking any actionIJ Why is the Prime Minister hesitating in taking any action,” Pilot questioned.
Referring to Rajnath Singh’s statement that “no Minister accused will resign as it is an NDA and not UPA Government,” Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said “its an insult to democracy and deserves strong condemnation.”
“This is BJP’s real face. They help corrupt and absconders. They protect people like Vasundhara Raje so that their truth does not come out in front of country’s officers”, said another spokesperson Shobha Oza.
The left parties termed the revelation as “national affront” and demanding resignations from Raje and Swaraj. They also insisted a statement from Modi in this regard besides seeking an inquiry. “It was shocking that Raje had made a conditionality then that her support for lalit Modi should be kept confidential and not be known to Indian authorities. This is a new low from a political leader and a national affront. The politburo demands her immediate resignation,” CPI(M) said in a statement.
“The Prime Minister is sitting like a ‘Mauna Muni’ on the BJP’s naked corruption exposures. Time demands he should break his silence and speak,” said CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy.
Opposition parties also demanded resignation of HRD Minister Smriti Irani after a Delhi court took cognisance of a complaint that she gave false information about her educational qualification ahead of lok Sabha polls in 2014 and also while filing nomination for Rajya Sabha in 2011. They are also demanding sacking of Maharashtra WCD minister Pankaja Munde in an alleged scam in purchase of items under the Integrated Child Development Services scheme.