Don’t call the corrupt criminals: LK Advani

Senior BJP leader said on Sunday there would be no compromise in the party in dealing with corruption.

Addressing a public rally at National College grounds as part of his Janachetana Yatra against corruption, which has come under attack from the opposition in Karnataka, Advani said his campaign against corruption was not targeted only at Congress.

Making an indirect reference to several BJP leaders in the state, including former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa being jailed on corruption charges, Advani said, “good governance cannot co-exist with corruption. It applies not just for Congress, but BJP too. I will not compromise with corruption in BJP. Have no doubt about it.”

However, Advani, had a word of advice against castigating the accused as criminals even before charges were proved. The allegations should be proved before punishing a person, he added.

Then turning to the new chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Advani said, “I hope the new CM will tread the right path and give good governance for the state.”

The 40-minute-address was confined to scams at the centre and the union government’s alleged reluctance to bring back the black money stashed in foreign banks.

He also expressed concern at the Prime Minister’s recent statement that the RTI act needed a second look.