Rajiv Shukla acusses BJP of playing vindictive politics over Sonia Gandhi-National Herald issue

Slamming Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s double standards on Foriegn Direct Investment (FDI) policy, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla on Saturday criticised BJP for opposing FDI while in opposition, but bringing it in several sectors after coming to power.

BJP leaders, especially Yashwant Sinha used to oppose United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on its FDI policy, but after coming to power they have allowed 49% FDI in insurance and defence sector, Shukla said.

Shukla, who was Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Planning in the previous UPA government, attacked BJP for speaking different languages while in opposition and in power.

When UPA wanted to bring FDI in these sectors, BJP opposed it tooth and nail, but after coming to power they are speaking the language of UPA government, and exposing their double standards, Shukla said.

He also hit out at BJP's vindictive politics over the IT notice served to Sonia Gandhi in National Herald case and court summons issued to Rahul Gandhi for his alleged defamatory speech against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) made during the Lok Sabha elections. Congress will unitedly fight these allegations in court, he said.

When asked about US President Barack Obama's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla said that Modi has been invited only in his capacity as India's Prime Minister and not in his personal capacity.

Shukla was speaking to journalists here on the sidelines of an inspection tour of Kanpur's International Cricket Stadium Green Park.