Sushma alleges UPA conspiracy against NDA

Gwalior, Oct 16 (UNI) Doubting the intentions of the Centre's United Progressive Alliance regime, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha Member Sushma Swaraj today alleged that an attempt to trap National Democratic Alliance leaders was underway for the past two-and-a-half years.

''It is likely that stage one of the conspiracy is dragging former Defence Minister George Fernandes' name into the Barak deal.

If the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is asked on what basis it filed a First Information Report against Mr Fernandes, the investigating agency will be unable to answer,'' she told journalists here.

Pointing out that as per the rules, the CBI chargesheet should be submitted within 60 days, Ms Swaraj said she was certain the CBI would fail to do so.

''Mr Fernandes' innocence will ultimately be proved. The Centre is giving a new issue to the BJP daily. Something comes to light every day on the national security front,'' she added.

The BJP leader alleged that the appeasement policy of the government -- that repealed the Prevention Of Terrorism Act by condemning it as an anti-Muslim law -- was exposed by the fact that the Congress was yet to clarify its stand on the proposed execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.

''That makes it seem as if the Congress lacks a resolve to combat terror. The President is bound to accept the suggestion of the Union Council of Ministers but before he receives anything in writing he should make Prime Minister Manmohan Singh aware of his views,'' Ms Swaraj said. Pointing out that it must be kept in mind that no terrorist respected the Constitution, she added that was the reason why Guru submitted no mercy plea himself though his relatives did so.

''If the Union Council of Ministers decides to pardon Guru, the BJP will unleash a countrywide awakening campaign,'' Ms Swaraj warned.

Responding to a question, she said that consensus is possible on women's reservation but to enhance Lok Sabha seats and bring in a provision for 33 per cent reservation is a serious and complex subject that might take time.

On Mr Varun Gandhi not being given the ticket for the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency bypoll, Ms Swaraj explained that Mr Gandhi's name did emerge but the party's state unit advocated a local candidate.

Hence the ticket went to Mr Rampal Singh.

UNI