Both Congress, BJP used to patronise Lalit Modi: BSP

BALLIA (UP): BSP today accused both Congress and BJP of being responsible for the misdeeds of Lalit Modi, saying the two parties used to "patronise" the tainted former IPL chief.

Attacking the Narendra Modi government over the raging row surrounding Lalit Modi, BSP national general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya said the manner in which a graft-accused was being patronised has exposed the Prime Minister's tall claims regarding a "corruption-free" country.

"Both Congress and BJP are responsible for misdeeds of Lalit Modi as both of them used to patronise him," Maurya said when asked about the controversy surrounding External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for helping him for visa.

Taking potshots at the Samajwadi Party government in the state, he alleged that it was involved in "browbeating and killing" journalists for exposing their misdeeds.

Demanding a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the family of slain journalist Jagendra Singh, Maurya said the state government was trying to shield the accused minister and hushing up the case.

He said that the accused minister Ram Murti Verma should be immediately sacked.