BJP blames Kejriwal's comments on UPA's 'weak' stand on graft

BJP on Monday sought to lay the blame for social activist Arvind Kejriwal's controversial remarks against politicians on Congress-led UPA government, alleging its "weak" stand on corruption, fight against terrorism and attacks on institutions like the Election Commission had led to it.

BJP spokesperson and general secretary Jagat Prakash Nadda maintained Kejriwal's comments against politicians should be seen in the proper context.

"In the last five years, the way this government has conducted itself and the manner in which it is functioning has forced not just Kejriwal but also the people of this country to think. The trust of the people has been broken by the way this government is functioning," Nadda said.

He mentioned the 2G spectrum allocation scam case.

"Similarly, on corruption the chief minister who has been implicated by the Shunglu Committee in the Commonwealth Games continues to be seated in that chair," Nadda said, alluding to Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.

Kejriwal had also said "our politicians watch porn in the temples of democracy", which was an obvious attack on BJP whose three MLAs were caught in Karnataka Assembly while watching a clip on their mobiles.

BJP appears to have avoided confronting Kejriwal ahead of the last two phases of Uttar Pradesh elections as members of his community form a part of the electorate in these parts of the state, sources said.

Nadda alleged Congress is not just being a spectator to these corruption cases but is actually encouraging them and this has led to a lack of faith among the people in this government.

"The Law Minister is responsible for upholding the law but he has been going about breaking it day after day. The dressing down given by the Election Commission and the way the minister expressed regret and yet he continues with his actions and the other ministers are also doing it now," Nadda alleged.

After the Election Commission had written to President Pratibha Patil against Salman Khurshid, another Union Minister Beni Prasad Verma had raked up the sub-quota for minorities issue.

Nadda was also critical of the UPA stand on terrorism and claimed this was one of the reasons for Kejriwal's attack on politicians.

"On terrorism, Salman Khurshid says Sonia Gandhi had been driven to tears on seeing the posters of those killed in the Batla House encounter. This use of a language of respect towards the traitors of this country.. such actions have led to a lack of faith in the government and due to which such statements are being made," Nadda said.

BJP, however, cautioned Kejriwal against use of intemperate language.

"Kejriwal should practice restraint while making such comments and should avoid such accusations against democratic institutions," Nadda said.

BJP also appealed to those casting their vote in UP to give a crushing blow and send a strong message to those "people and parties" which are creating this lack of trust in politics.