BJP casts doubts over longevity of UPA government

KOCHI: The BJP today expressed doubts over the longevity of the Congress-led UPA government, whom it accused of being synonymous with corruption.

"It is doubtful if the UPA will complete its tenure or be forced to step down. Going by the mood of the people, there is a question mark on its longevity," BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said at a meet-the-press programme here.

He said social activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death over the Lokpal Bill issue was receiving tremendous support as UPA was "shielding the corrupt and protecting scamsters and swindlers".

Terming that the 2G Spectrum case was the "mother of all scams", he said CBI had launched action on the matter only after intervention of the Supreme Court.

He regretted that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had not acted on the Shunglu Committee report even after it indicted Suresh Kalmadi and found fault with Sports and Urban Affairs Development ministries and Delhi government on the CWG Games.

Naidu said BJP would intensify its agitation to "expose" the UPA government by holding meetings and rallies all over the country from April 15 to June 30.

Referring to the ruling LDF and opposition UDF in Kerala, he said they are both two sides of the same coin. The BJP's aim this time was to enter the assembly and the party was going all out to ensure it happens, he said.

Asked about reports that BJP had seat adjustments with Congress in about 25 constituencies in Kerala, Naidu said there was no question of touching Congress or LDF.

"Both fronts are political rivals of BJP," he said.