BJP should ask PM Modi to undergo lie detector test and say if CBI, ED independent: AAP
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP should ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undergo a lie detector test and say the CBI and the ED are neutral agencies and have nothing to do with his party, the AAP said on Tuesday.
The reaction of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came after BJP leader Kapil Mishra dared Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to subject himself to a lie detector test over his claim that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) tried to put pressure on him to quit his party and join the saffron outfit.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also said Sisodia's allegation was a "shameless" attempt to "influence" the agency's probe into the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
"The BJP should ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undergo a lie detector and narco-analysis test and say the CBI and the ED are autonomous and neutral agencies and have nothing to do with the BJP and the Centre," AAP's chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj told a press conference here.
He said the central probe agencies' autonomy and independence is the "biggest lie" in the country and demanded that the prime minister also "reveal the truth" about the CBI and the ED during his address at the 90th Interpol General Assembly.
Bharadwaj alleged that Modi is ahead of all other leaders in the country when it comes to telling lies with great ease.
"The prime minister should undergo a lie detector and narco-analysis test and say that his friend was not among those whose loans worth Rs 10 lakh crore were waived," he said, asking, "Will he do that?"
After more than nine hours of questioning by the CBI on Monday, Sisodia claimed that he was asked to quit the AAP and join the BJP.
"Pressure was put on me to quit the AAP. I was offered the Delhi chief minister's post or to face a jail term," the deputy chief minister told reporters.
The CBI, however, dismissed the allegations raised by Sisodia.
"The CBI strongly refutes these allegations and reiterates that examination of Sisodia was carried out in a professional and legal manner strictly as per the allegations against him in the FIR. The investigation of the case will continue as per the law," it said in a statement.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
