Author: Press Trust of India
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: November 4, 2012
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/swamy-asks-ec-to-derecognise-cong/1026364/

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy on Saturday moved the Election Commission to derecognise the Congress, alleging the party violated laws by providing a R90-crore loan to a company that published the National Herald newspaper.

The Congress, on its part, adopted a combative approach over the controversy on The Associated Journals issue, saying it has discharged its “political dharma” and that it was ready to contest any challenge in any fora for giving loan to support the newspaper.

BJP hoped the poll panel will take cognisance of Swamy’s plea and also refused to buy the Congress argument that the loan was paid to propagate its ideology, alleging the deal appears to have been done more for the real estate value involved and “inadvertent” money laundering.

In a letter to the EC, Swamy said Congress has “prima facie” committed an offence under electoral law as well as income tax law, for which it is necessary to hold hearings and decide on derecognising the party.