BJP to raise illegal money issue in Parliament

The BJP today said it will raise in this session of Parliament the issue of bringing back Indian money illegally stashed away in foreign banks, a promise the party had made in its election manifesto last year.

"In our election manifesto, we had promised that if we form the government we will bring back illegal Indian money kept in banks abroad. The Prime Minister also said in his first speech last year that he will try to bring back this black money. BJP will raise this issue in this session," Deputy leader of BJP in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde said.

The decision was taken during BJP's Parliamentary Party meeting here today.

BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, LK Advani had raised the issue of bringing back illegal Indian money in foreign banks and tax havens if NDA was voted to power.

During today's meeting, BJP leaders pointed out that around 17 countries had made efforts to bring back illegal money.

BJP would also raise in this session of Parliament the issue of recent increase in visa fees by the US.

"The US is India's friend and we want this friendship to continue. The US has increased its visa fees to deter more people from visiting the country. Indians are facing problems due to this," Munde said.

The main opposition also wants a general discussion without voting on the situation in Kashmir and will give a notice for this tomorrow in the Lok Sabha.

"The situation in Kashmir is worsening day by day. One delegation of our party leaders had met the Prime Minister on the issue. Later our leaders also took part in an all-party meeting called by the Prime Minister. Since the government has not yet clarified its role in Kashmir we want a discussion," Munde said.

Other issues that BJP plans to raise are alleged misuse of CBI and more compensation to farmers whose land was acquired by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Delhi-Agra Yamuna Expressway.