Black money: NDA leaders, CMs to declare assets

Senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and L.K.Advani with NDA convener Sharad Yadav during the NDA meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo:R.V.Moorthy

Pledging to set an example in the fight against black money, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance on Tuesday said it would direct its Chief Ministers and senior most leaders to declare their assets and asked the government to make all efforts to bring Indian slush funds stashed in tax havens.

enior NDA leaders held a press conference to present the report of a task force appointed by the BJP to look into the issue of Indian black money stashed abroad and ways of dealing with the issue.

We liked (the report) and the NDA also said it is appropriate that all those holding political office, whether we are members of Parliament, whether we are leaders of political parties recognised by the Election Commission........ or even Central office-bearers of the political parties, or MPs. We would like all of them to be obligated to tell the government that we have no money abroad," NDA working chairperson L. K. Advani said.

The NDA leaders endorsed the suggestions of the report which targets corrupt politicians as well.

There should be a general, not specifically against any persons, FIR against (those keeping black money abroad). It has been done in the case of terrorism in Punjab, in the North East... in Nagaland," Mr. Advani said.

The senior leader quoted a recent survey which claimed that the general perception among people about politicians is that around 60 per cent of them are corrupt.

Taking a cue from Mr. Advani, Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal said, "A big issue has come up in the country...NDA Chief Ministers should first give in writing and announce their assets and tell the government that it can seize any black money they have."

Asked if he agreed with Mr. Badal and whether Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa should also declare his assets, Mr. Advani replied in the affirmative, saying all BJP and NDA Chief Ministers should do so.

Mr. Yeddyurappa is facing allegations of corruption and nepotism in out of turn land allotment to his sons. This had nearly cost him his job but the BJP reportedly allowed him to continue due to impending local bodies elections.

Mr. Advani said the NDA had discussed the issue of black money on January 6, 2011 and written a detailed letter to the Prime Minister but "did not even get an acknowledgement, forget a reply, till now".

Stating that the issues of corruption, food inflation and black money are inter-linked, Mr. Advani alleged that the government has "not even moved an inch" to bring back black money stashed abroad.

Let government take at least some steps," he said, adding that though countries like Germany were ready to share details of account-holders, the government was not doing anything.

He said action needs to be taken on tax evasion, corruption, bribery and kickbacks.

Mr. Advani insisted that the government should also ratify the UN Convention against Corruption which requires only an endorsement from the Union Council of Ministers.

Keywords: black money issue, Swiss bank accounts, National Democratic Alliance


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