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BJP blocked anti-corruption bills: Congress

Posted on February 21, 2014 from Delhi ι Report #348

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The Congress Friday accused the BJP of "blocking" five anti-corruption bills, alleged its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had forced the party's hand on the issue.

Congress general secretary Ajay Maken said that Modi "made the BJP go back on its earlier stance" on the bills which were being "championed" by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.

"Given his record of stalling Lokayukta, giving undue advantage to select corporate houses and shielding corrupt ministers, it is hardly surprising that Modi made the BJP go back on its earlier stance," Maken said in a statement.

He also said the Bharatiya Janata Party wanted to deny credit to the Congress for the bills which would have ensured effective institutional mechanism against corruption.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had been pitching for passage of six anti-corruption legislations during the extended winter session but only one of them - the Whistle Blowers Protection Bill was passed.