Opposition banks on Lal Krishna Advani ‘hint’ on BJP's tainted ministers

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar said it was now clear that the ruling BJP does not intend to walk on the path of political morality. “They had claimed to be a party with a difference. What difference is that? They want to protect their own people...

They might be feeling that if they take action against one it may trigger a process. By now, it is clear that they don’t intend to walk on the path of political morality. This is what Advaniji has also cautioned about,” Mr Kumar said.

Another senior Congress leader P.C. Chacko said, “It is a very clear indication from the seniormost leader of the BJP that its ministers, when they are implicated, when there are allegations against them, should own up responsibility.”

“The Prime Minister should come out with a clear explanation. Nothing is happening. It is in this context that he (Mr Advani) has given this opinion. So, I think that Advaniji’s opinion is the reflection of thinking in general of the people,” he said.

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said that Mr Advani’s message was clear and direct and Raje should put in her papers. “Owing to moral responsibility in the Lalit Modi row, Raje should consider words of her veteran leader Advani and step down so that a fair probe be conducted on the charges she was facing for signing documents,” Mr Gehlot said.

“She should first quit, allow investigation fairly, and if she is proved innocent then she can join chief ministership again,” Mr Gehlot suggested. There should be a probe into Dholpur Mahal (which belonged to Raje family), how was it converted into seven star hotel, and with whose money?” Mr Gehlot said.