Shekhawat is victim of BJP politics : Congress

New Delhi, July 11 (UNI) Alleging that the BJP-led NDA had taken the presidential debate to the lowest level that can be possible in public life, the Congress today alleged that Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat "is the victim of BJP politics." Union Minister Renuka Chowdhary told mediapersons that though the "lowly tactics" were not new to the BJP, the Congress would not stoop to that standards.

She charged the BJP with making "pathetic attempts" as the success of Ms Patil "stares at their face." In this context, she accused the BJP leaders of suffering from "selective amnesia," and suggested "mass discount for psychiatric consultation for BJP managers." Ms Chowdhary criticised the BJP for its appeal for conscience vote in the Presidential election, and asked "How come the BJP's conscience did not work when thousands of workers were rendered jobless following disinvestment of profit-making public sector undertakings under the leadership of Mr Arun Shourie?" She said the BJP, which misled the country through its "India Shining" campaign during the 2004 General elections, was trying to "befool" the entire nation again in the presidential poll campaign.

"What the BJP has done to the institutions of President and Vice-President was nothing but an insult to the intelligence of the common man." Ms Chowdhary said the candidature of Ms Patil was the decision of history. "History has decided that a woman should be on the top post." She alleged that though Mr Shekhawat sought to project himself as an "independent" candidate, he had been attending the meetings of the BJP while continuing as Vice-President, the second highest constitutional post.

UNI