Congress seeks removal of four BJP women leaders

New Delhi: Stepping up its demand for the removal of the four BJP women leaders who are caught in controversy over various allegations, Congress on Friday accused the ruling party of having "interpreted rules differently" when it was in the opposition.

While External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister  Vasundhara Raje are involved in a controversy over allegedly helping Indian "fugitive" and ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi, Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani is accused of submitting fake information about her educational qualifications while filing poll nominations.

Also, allegations have surfaced that Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde awarded contracts worth Rs 206 crore without inviting tenders for the same.

"It is high time they resign because there is substantial evidence against them. They have to go. In no way can they continue," said Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken.

Maken, also the Delhi Congress unit chief, accused BJP of having two yardsticks when it came to dealing with allegations against its ministers.

"When in opposition, they interpreted rules differently. In power, the same rules don't apply to them because they feel they are god. They don't want those rules to be implemented for them. People of the country are keenly watching how the BJP conducts itself," he said, adding that the "real test" for any political party is when it is in power.

Maken claimed that Congress would take action even if there were minor allegations against its leaders.

"We used to take action even when those were based on small allegations. Now, they (BJP) want court judgement to take action against their ministers. This is something that is totally different from the BJP in opposition," he said.