BJP issues showcause notice to Ram Jethmalani

New Delhi, Nov 26: The

has issued a showcause notice to its veteran parliamentarian

for contradicting the party line on two issues.

The Rajya Sabha member was suspended yesterday for raising the banner of revolt against BJP president Nitin Gadkari and questioning the party's senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley who had slammed the "hasty" appointment of Ranjit Sinha as the CBI director.

Jethmalani reacted defiantly by saying: "I am totally indifferent, whatever they do, does not bother me in the least. Nobody can take away my seat from Parliament." He added, "If there is any action taken against me, I will welcome it but I don't think anyone has the guts to take any action against me."

However, the parliamentary board of BJP this evening confirmed Jethmalani's suspension and sent the showcause notice to him. He has to reply to it within ten days.

Earlier in the day, Jethmalani told newspersons that he had again asked Gadkari to quit immediately on moral grounds in view of the allegations against him. The latter has been accused of financial impropriety involving the Purti group of companies.

Stating that he cannot reveal the contents of today's letter, Jethmalani asked the newspersons to get it from the BJP. He claimed to be "under the oath of secrecy until the letter reaches the BJP president."

This is not the first time that Jethmalani has demanded Gadkari's resignation. He had also written to the BJP chief on Nov 24, stressing that the party should not criticise the new CBI director's appointment.

According to Jethmalani, the goverment averted a "national calamity" by choosing Ranjit Sinha for the post. Incidentally, the BJP was unhappy because the Rajya Sabha Select Committee has recommended that such appointments should be made through a collegium.

OneIndia News