Observer Political Bureau
The Observer
May 12, 1999
Title: Sonia violated law by registering as a voter: BJP Author: Observer Political Bureau Publication: The Observer Date: May 12, 1999 The BJP on Tuesday alleged that Congress President Sonia Gandhi, in contravention of the law, had registered herself as a voter in the New Delhi constituency without giving up her Italian citizenship and demanded that the Congress clarify the matter. In another statement, the BJP officially said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh would not be replaced and the BJP President Kushabhau Thakre, and the state-level leadership, would "settle" the matter of the dissidence amicably. Briefing reporters, party spokesperson K L Sharma said, "a news report in an English daily had exposed how Soma Gandhi had herself registered as a voter in India for the New Delhi constituency without giving up her Italian citizenship. " Mr Sharma said, the BJP demanded that the Congress give its response to three questions: One, if it was a fact that Sonia Gandhi had registered herself as a voter in January 1980 without giving up her Italian citizenship? Two, if it was a fact that after her name was struck off the list in 1982 she had herself re-registered in January 1983, once again without giving up her ltalian citizenship. Three, if It was a fact that she was registered as an Indian citizen on April 30, 1983? Mr Sharma pointed out that the Registration of electoral rules and the section 31 of the Representation of the People Act was clear that "only names of those who are citizens of India should be entered on the electoral rules and that any person who makes a statement or declaration which is false shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with or both." The BJP spokesperson said that it was for the Congress to clarify "what steps should be taken to enforce the law in this case." In the dissidence in UP, Mr Sharma ruled out any replacement of Chief Minister Kalyan Singh said "the matter will be settled amicably by the state-level leaders under the guidance of Party President Kushabhau Thakre. " Pointing out that Tuesday was the first anniversary of Pokhran II and that the BJP was celebrating "Resurgent India day" all over the nation, Mr Sharma said, "the nuclear tests conducted by the Vajpayee Government firmly demonstrated our nation's indigenous scientific capability as being second to none in the world." Saying that the Left and the Congress were "pressure prone" to the machinisations of the Western powers, he said, "India today is more secure, the nuclear monopoly of the P-5 nations had been broken, India had proved its economic clout by beat" the sanctions and consequently was at peace with its neighbours and the rest of the world." He said that the Left's "sudden turn around against India's nuclear explosions can only mean that either It is under pressure from its foreign masters or it is not interested in India's sovereignty and security. " Mr Sharma also said that as far as the CTBT was concerned "a decision on the matter will be taken only after taking all other political parties into confidence." He also justified the transfer of Governors by the Vajpayee Government saying that "until the notification of the schedule, the government was within its rights to appoint Governors."
|
||