BJP questions Reddy’s removal, says ‘tainted’ ministers promoted

Criticising the Cabinet reshuffle as another attempt by the ruling Congress to divert public attention from the alleged corruption of the UPA government, the BJP today claimed that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has given "promotions" to tainted ministers and also sought an explanation for shifting Jaipal Reddy from the Petroleum Ministry.

"Though the BJP has never had any expectations from the UPA government, it has given promotions to those ministers who were facing allegations. It seems levelling of charges against a minister is not considered a negative point but is actually a plus point," said BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain.

"Some new ministers have been inducted into the Manmohan Cabinet in his last ditch, but unsuccessful, attempt to save his sinking ship. People had expected that he would try to wash away some of the taint, but the tainted ministers enjoy his support while the clean ones have been ignored," he said.

In this context, Hussain pointed to Salman Khurshid's elevation to the External Affairs Ministry. Hinting at K Rahman Khan's induction as Minorities Affairs Minister without naming him, he said a minister from the minority community had been sworn in even as he has charges pending against him in the Amanath Cooperative Bank case.

Referring to reports that corporates had lobbied against Reddy, which led to his removal as Petroleum Minister, former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu said: "A person like him was suddenly removed and was placed in the unimportant Science and Technology Ministry. People and the media are saying this was done due to pressure from industrial groups. The government should give an answer on this. What was the reason behind his removal?"

"The question should be put to the Prime Minister. There appears to be no visible criteria for appointing these leaders," added Hussain.

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