The Congress on Thursday attacked the BJP utilising the apex court order on decriminalisation of politics, alleging the directions have already been torn to shreds by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Anand Singh, who is an accused in mining cases, has been appointed a minister in Karnataka.
The Congress welcomed the SC direction asking all parties to upload on their website details of pending criminal cases against candidates contesting polls, noting that there has been an alarming increase in criminalisation of politics.
The apex court said political parties will also have to upload reasons for selecting candidates who have criminal cases pending against them.
"Today itself, Modiji has torn to shreds the SC orders on citing reasons for giving tickets to leaders accused in cases," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, tagging a news report about Anand Singh, an accused in mining and forest crime cases, being appointed as the new minister for forest, environment and ecology in Karnataka.
"Modi ji and the BJP again come to the rescue of 'Bellary Gang'! SC says give reasons for giving tickets to tainted Netas or contempt! Modiji says make tainted Netas not MLAs alone but Ministers of the ministry, which has been allegedly looted! Will SC issue contempt of PM and Karnataka CM," Surjewala asked.
The BJP on its part said the SC direction would strengthen electoral democracy in the country and enable voters make a choice keeping "all factors" in mind when they cast their vote.
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Another Congress spokesperson, Jaiveer Shergill, told a press conference that his party welcomes the apex court's decision as it's an important step towards decriminalising politics.
"The Congress welcomes the historic verdict of the Supreme Court towards decriminalisation of politics and making politics free from crime and criminals. The judgment of Supreme Court is vindication of Rahul Gandhi's fight against criminalisation of politics. It is vindication of Rahul Gandhi's stand to make politics free from crime and criminals," he said.
He said the BJP has appointed Anand Singh as a minister in Karnataka despite 15 corruption cases pending against him. "The BJP believes in politics of crime and criminals and not in clean and clear politic."
Shergill asked, "Should a contempt notice not be issued against the Prime Minister of the country and the Chief Minister of Karnataka for inducting a charge sheeted person as a Minister in the government...for not adhering to the advisory of the Supreme Court dated August 27, 2014."
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