BJP rejects PM''s contention on Gujarat minister''

Ahmedabad, Feb 16 (PTI) BJP today rejected Prime Minister Manmohan Singh''s contention that party was taking up issues against UPA government because of the arrest of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah in Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, saying that entire opposition was raising these issues.

"There was an expectation and hope that Prime Minister''s address to the media today will provide some new directions on the issues of corruption and inflation. Instead, he pleaded his innocence and helplessness," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters here.

In reply to a question about Prime Minister''s remarks referring to Shah, Javadekar said, "Not just BJP but entire Opposition was raising issues of scams and demanding JPC. Some of the allies of the present UPA government have supported the demand of formation of JPC to probe 2G spectrum scam".

"Gujarat''s fight (on misuse of CBI) is for justice and we are confident of winning it. People of Gujarat know that ruling government here is a symbol of progress and not of destruction," Javadekar said.

The Prime Minister, during his interaction with journalists this morning, had said, "Opposition parties and especially BJP has taken a very hostile attitude towards us...

I cannot mention it in public... Because you have taken a particular decision against a minister who was in Gujarat. You reverse it or face it".

Shah, a minister of state for home in Modi government, was arrested by CBI in Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case and is now out on bail. .