Dasmunsi's remark about Vajpayee is unbecoming: BJP

New Delhi, Jan 15 (UNI) The BJP today described as 'unbecoming' the remark of Parliamentary Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi regarding Leader of the Opposition L K Advani's letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to confer the 'Bharat Ratna' on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

''He (Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi) is Information and Broadcasting Minister. Moreover, he is also the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

His remark about Mr Vajpayee is not only unfair but also unbecoming on his part,'' BJP Deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Sushma Swaraj said.

She said it would have been better had he not made such comments.

Asked if Mr Advani wrote to the Prime Minister on his own or the matter was discussed in the party, Ms Swaraj said the party was unanimous on the issue. There could not be two opinions in the party at all, she said in reply to the question.

When her attention was drawn towards similar nominations being made by other parties, she said the party was not against anybody or any political leader chosen for the coveted award. ''Mr Vajpayee is a 'Ratna' so can be other leaders,'' she added.

Mr Advani is entitled to make any recommendation as Leader of the Opposition, she said, dismissing a query in this regard.

UNI KAS/MCN PB BD1520