BJP won't extend blind support to govt on office of profit issue

New Delhi, Apr 1 (UNI) The BJP today reiterated that the party will not extend 'blind support' to the Centre on the issue of defining the office of profit but wanted the government to express its views in the form of a letter if not an actual draft to amend the provision of the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act.

''The BJP do not view holding an office of profit as a 'crime' but the latest turn of events certainly required the political parties to address the grey area,'' BJP spokesman Ravishankar Prasad said in a chat with newspersons today.

''We understand the government is hesitating to circulate the draft amendment but at the same time the consultation process will not be appropriate without the people in authority spelling out their mind in the form of a letter if not in the draft,'' Mr Prasad said.

The constitution makers did not define the office of profit but the apex court has attempted it, the former law minister said.

''We want that any amendment proposed should reflect the spirit of the Constitution while addressing the grey areas,'' he noted.

One view expressed in the party on the issue was that it required a 'fresh look' as there were lot of changes since the Constitution came into being, Mr Prasad said.

The constitution makers wanted the MPs not to occupy any post that would bind the functioning of those who are to monitor and check the performance of the government, he added.

''Unlike the situation when the Constitution was framed, the governance was no longer centered around state but the constitution makers did not want even a shadow of it to hinder the responsibilities of the MPs. We have to debate if the MPs can hold office of profit or not,'' he said.

On Congress President Sonia Gandhi quitting the National Advisory Council he said this body has the responsibility of implementing the Common Minimum Programme.

''We feel this power should vest with the Prime Minister and none else,'' he said.

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