The BJP-led by Narendra Modi had rode to power on its anti-corruption plank in 2014. Five years on, party leader and Union Minister of State has triggered a controversy after dismissing the need to discuss issues such as corruption, stating that the priority now is ensure Narendra Modi returns as Prime Minister.
When asked by reporters in Trichy on why the BJP chose to ally with parties which are tainted by corruption allegations in Tamil Nadu, the Union Minister of State for Finance said, “Everybody thinks differently. What is crucial now is who is going to make the government in the Centre this election. India and Tamil Nadu need to re-elect PM Narendra Modi. Now is not the time to discuss these issues (corruption),” he said before walking away.
His comments come days after the BJP announced its grand alliance with the AIADMK and the PMK in Tamil Nadu, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While the national party will contest from 5 seats in the State, the PMK has been allotted 7 constituencies and a Rajya Sabha seat. The seat allotment for the AIADMK is yet to be announced. Both the AIADMK and the Congress, which has allied with the DMK, has been attempting to rope in the DMDK led by actor turned politician Vijayakant.
It was only in July 2018 that BJP National President Amit Shah had called Tamil Nadu one of the most corrupt states, an indirect didg at the ruling AIADMK, which the national party has now chosen to ally with in 2019. Shah, while addressing BJP party workers in Chennai had said, “Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in the country when it comes to a higher level of corruption. The public should come forward to fight corruption and they should stay away from cash-for-votes.”
The PMK, whose leaders Dr S Ramadoss and son Anbumani Ramadoss had slammed the AIADMK for its corruption, has also chosen to ally with the ruling party. Several including DMK Chief MK Stalin have called out Ramadoss for allying with the AIADMK despite his comments in the past.
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