Congress backs Rahul Gandhi's stand on assets disclosure by ministers' kin

Congress today supported Rahul Gandhi's suggestion that the government should seek financial disclosure not merely from members of the Union Council of Ministers but also from their spouses, progeny, siblings and parents to strengthen efforts for probity in public life.

Reacting to reports that Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard, party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said, "All ministers and their dependents should definitely declare their assets."

AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh said, "Has Rahul ji written this? This is a very good suggestion. I have full confidence that this will be implemented."

Reports had it that while Gandhi welcomed the prime minister's initiative in seeking details of assets and liabilities of ministers, he had also suggested that for the purpose of completeness and to clearly demonstrate transparency, the government may seek financial disclosure not merely from members of the Union Council but also from their spouses, progeny, siblings and parents.

The letter was obtained by Times of India through an RTI application.