Date:07/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/07/stories/2005010704161200.htm

National

BJP must ensure transparency in relief distribution: Swamy

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JAN. 6 . The Janata Party president, Subramanian Swamy, said today that there was nothing wrong in the Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to spend the funds collected by it directly on relief and rehabilitation work, provided a transparent approach was adopted.

Replying to a query at a press conference on the resolution adopted by the BJP's Tsunami Relief Committee that funds amounting to Rs. 60 crores, collected by its State units and the States ruled by it, should be spent directly on rehabilitation such as adopting villages and taking care of the people's needs in the affected areas, Dr. Swamy said the party should appoint independent auditors to ensure transparency in the distribution.

If non-governmental organisations could collect and disburse relief without fear or favour, political parties could also do so, he said adding that the BJP should publicise the details of the fund collection and distribution through its website.

Congratulates Manmohan

He congratulated the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, for declining international aid as the country "is quite capable of looking after its victims and should strive to do so." India should be very generous to its neighbours affected by the natural calamity in extending assistance for relief, he said.

Dr. Swamy urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, to withdraw the cases against the Kanchi Sankaracharya. He said that he had sought the Government's permission to meet the Acharya in the Vellore prison tomorrow.