Date:23/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122307431100.htm

National

Lalu rejects resignation demand, asks Modi to quit

By K. Balchand

PATNA, DEC. 22. Turning down the demand for his resignation on the grounds of violating the model code of conduct, the Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader, Lalu Prasad, today hit back at his detractors in the Bharatiya Janata Party. He demanded the resignation of not only the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, but also of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani from the Lok Sabha in connection with the latest Tehelka expose.

Mr. Prasad alleged that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar were behind the deal struck with Zahira Sheikh to make her retract a statement in the Best Bakery case. The Tehelka disclosure was a serious matter, he said, and added that the objective of "bribing Zahira" was "to protect the killers and give them a clean chit."

"These people (Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Advani) were talking about morality and now there is no way out. Mr. Advani should step down as BJP president and so should Mr. Vajpayee from his high seat They should also remove Mr. Modi."

Mr. Prasad wondered how the Sangh Parivar got Rs. 18 lakhs to give to Ms. Zahira. "We had resolved not to allow a recurrence of the Godhra or the Gujarat episodes. The RJD is the second largest party in the United Progressive Alliance and we will not let go of the matter."

Earlier in the day, Mr. Prasad presided over the party's national executive, which ratified his decision to call off tomorrow's rally.