Congress, BJP trade barbs over Amit Shah’s son allegations

Mumbai: The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held press conferences on Monday in the wake of an online article alleging a gigantic increase in the turnover of a firm owned by BJP national president Amit Shah’s son after the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress launched an attack on the saffron party over the controversy in its press meet while the latter fielded its big guns to defend itself.

Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil demanded Mr Shah’s resignation over the alleged irregularities in his son’s company, while BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil called the Congress’ demand ‘senseless’.

In the wake of the article going viral, Congress leadership in Delhi asked all state leaders to address a press conference on the matter and put the facts before the people.

Pointing out instances where BJP leader’s stepped down in the wake of controversies, Mr Chavan said, “After allegations were made against Bangaru Laxman in the Tehelka scam and L.K. Advani in the late ’90s, both had resigned from the party. The BJP should follow its own tradition and ask Mr Shah to put in his papers.”

Mr Vikhe-Patil, lashing out at the BJP, said, “The BJP’s doublespeak on corruption has been exposed now. The tall claims of clean governance were a complete lie. The party owes an explanation to the nation for an increase in Jay Shah’s turnover.”

Mr Patil, however, said claimed that the Congress had “no right to talk about corruption”. “People have shown them the door on the issue of corruption only. Piyushji (railway minister Piyush Goyal) has given a proper explanation as to the allegations. Also, Jay Shah has decided to sue the website. Why is the Congress making noise still,” he asked.

As the issue gains momentum, Congress is likely to use it to turn public opinion against the BJP, which had promised corruption-free governance.