LK Advani over Lalit Modi row: ‘Corrupt ministers must go’

In an indirect message to the Modi government in the wake of the controversy over Sushma Swaraj and Vasundhara Raje, BJP old hand L.K. Advani on Sunday said “Tainted Ministers must go” saying there is a need to maintain probity in public life and recalled how he resigned soon after his name cropped up in the Hawala scam.

Swaraj and Raje are involved in the Lalit Modi controversy over extending help to the tainted former IPL boss in connection with his travel documents in the UK triggering demands by the Congress for their resignation. Advani did not want to comment on the controversy involving Swaraj and Raje.

Mr Advani aired his views at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been refusing to break his silence on this issue which has revived the opposition.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Advaniji has said it clearly” Tainted must go”. It is for you to understand what he is saying… laton ke bhoot baton se nahi mante,” Mr Azad remarked.

“Advaniji is a seasoned leader who always talks in a measured tone. There are several senior leaders in the BJP who are saying their mann ki baat. They are saying that there is a difference in the practice and precept of the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr Azad’s comments are significant as Mr Advani’s remarks recalling how he quit after his name cropped up in the hawala scam.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who resigned following corruption charges, said, “Since Jan Sangh era… even before that in RSS shakhas, we were taught honesty is the best virtue. There should be no compromise on corruption.”