Jyotiraditya blames BJP for Patil's character assassination

Bhopal, July 11 (UNI) Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia today alleged that the BJP, not media, was responsible for an ongoing ''character assassination campaign'' against UPA presidential candidate Pratibha Patil.

''The saffron party is indulging in mean politics and attempting to involve the press as part of a conspiracy,'' he told reporters here.

Regarding the BJP describing the issues that emerged against Ms Patil as an outcome of investigative journalism, Mr Scindia added that it was clear evidence of double standards.

''The BJP's associates are distancing themselves from it. Victory is certain for Ms Patil,'' he felt.

For the success of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election Mission 2008, Mr Scindia said that Congress bigwigs should come together and take part in events-akin to the 1993 Dabra convention-in every division.

Dodging a poser on who would lead such conventions, the Guna MP said, ''the party has begun working on its strategy in view of Mission 2008, resulting in recent successes in bypolls to the Sidhi Lok Sabha seat and Shivpuri assembly seat. Grassroot-level work has started under the leadership of state unit President Subhash Yadav. A campaign is underway to enlist workers.'' Admitting a delay in declaration of the Congress state Executive-the declaration has not been made for the past two years-Mr Scindia added that it would be made soon.

''The state Congress has formed a committee that will submit a report after assessing areas affected by recent downpours. An attempt will then be made to obtain maximum central assistance. The Congress has been raising, on appropriate fora, the issue of deteriorating law and order,'' he said.

UNI