NDA to ask its leaders to declare assets

Pledging to set an example in the fight against black money, BJP-led NDA today said it would direct its chief ministers and seniormost leaders to declare their assets and asked the government to make all efforts to bring Indian slush funds stashed in tax havens.

Pledging to set an example in the fight against black money, BJP-led NDA on Tuesday said it would direct its chief ministers and seniormost leaders to declare their assets and asked the government to make all efforts to bring Indian slush funds stashed in tax havens.

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Senior NDA leaders held a press conference to present the report of a task force appointed by BJP to look into the issue of Indian black money stashed abroad and ways of dealing with the issue.

"We liked (the report) and the NDA also said it is appropriate that all those holding political office, whether we are members of Parliament, whether we are leaders of political parties recognised by the Election Commission....

".... or even Central office-bearers of the political parties, or MPs. We would like all of them to be obligated to tell the government that we have no money abroad," NDA Working chairperson L K Advani said.

The NDA leaders endorsed the suggestions of the report which targets corrupt politicians as well.

The senior leader quoted a recent survey which claimed that the general perception among people about politicians is that around 60% of them are corrupt.

Taking a cue from Advani, Punjab chief minister Prakash Singh Badal said, "A big issue has come up in the country... NDA chief ministers should first give in writing and announce their assets and tell the government that it can seize any black money they have."

Asked if he agreed with Badal and whether Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa should also declare his assets, Advani replied in the affirmative, saying all BJP and NDA chief ministers should do so.