NDA to ask its leaders to tell govt they have no money abroad

New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Pledging to set an example in thefight against black money, BJP-led NDA today said it woulddirect its chief ministers and seniormost leaders to declareto the government that they had no money stashed abroad.

The opposition alliance also said that its leadersshould detail their assets and tell the government that it can"seize any black money they have."

Asking the government to make all efforts to bring backIndian slush funds stashed in tax havens, senior NDA leadersheld a press conference to present the report of a task forceappointed by BJP to look into the issue of Indian black moneystashed abroad and ways of dealing with the issue.

"We liked (the report) and the NDA also said it isappropriate that all those holding political office, whetherwe are members of Parliament, whether we are leaders ofpolitical parties recognised by the Election Commission....

".... or even Central office-bearers of the politicalparties, or MPs. We would like all of them to be obligated totell the government that we have no money abroad," NDA Workingchairperson L K Advani said.

The NDA leaders endorsed the suggestions of the reportwhich targets corrupt politicians as well.

"There should be a general, not specifically againstany persons, FIR against (those keeping black money abroad).

It has been done in the case of terrorism in Punjab, in theNorth East... in Nagaland," Advani said.

The senior leader quoted a recent survey which claimedthat the general perception among people about politicians isthat around 60 per cent of them are corrupt.

Taking a cue from Advani, Punjab Chief Minister PrakashSingh Badal said, "A big issue has come up in the country...

NDA chief ministers should first give in writing and announcetheir assets and tell the government that it can seize anyblack money they have."

Asked if he agreed with Akali Dal leader and whetherKarnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa should also declarehis assets, Advani replied in the affirmative, saying all BJPand NDA chief ministers should do so.