Cleanse BJP first instead of 'Swachh Bharat': NCP tells PM

Yavatmal, Jun 29: In a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the cleanliness drive, senior NCP leader Praful Patel today said he should first set the BJP's house in order.

"It would be appropriate on the part of Prime Minister to cleanse the BJP first instead of making a propaganda about 'Swachh Bharat'," the former Union minister told reporters here.

His comments came in an apparent reference to allegations of corruption against senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse who resigned recently as Revenue Minister. Patel claimed that no section of society is satisfied with the performance of the state and Central governments.

"It is unfortunate that BJP leaders like chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari have not brought any development to Vidarbha," Patel said.

He said the NCP would contest the forthcoming elections to the local bodies and municipal councils in the state on its own strength. Patel alleged that no development in real terms came to Vidarbha despite the CM signing MoUs worth thousands of crores at various forums.

"Gadkari has performed 'bhoomipujan' (groundbreaking ceremony) for road development projects but not a single tender has been passed so far," the former Civil Aviation Minister said.

He replied in negative when asked if NCP would extend its support to BJP in case Shiv Sena walks out of the coalition government. When asked whether NCP is avoiding playing an aggressive opposition out of fear of action against its leaders facing the graft charge, Patel said, "Who has stopped government from launching probe or taking legal action against us. They are free to do so. We are ready to face any eventuality".

He said NCP would go with people's choice on granting statehood to Vidarbha.

PTI