With the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifying its attack on chief minister Virbhadra Singh on corruption charges, the party veteran and former chief minister Shanta Kumar has asked Virbhadra to step down on moral grounds.
In a statement issued here on Friday, the octogenarian leader said the charges against Virbhadra were of "very serious" nature, which could not be ignored.
"The issue becomes more serious with Virbhadra himself admitting to some findings in light of the facts put forth by leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Arun Jaietly," said Shanta. "Taking moral responsibility of corruption charges, Virbhadra should resign from the post of chief minister so that there could be a fair probe into the issue," he added.
Commenting on the Adarsh Housing scam, Shanta said it was very shameful that the name of Kargil martyrs was used to amass benefits illegally.
"The truth was revealed in the inquiry commission's report, but the Maharashtra Congress government tried to cover it up by rejecting the report," said Shanta. He said it was the Delhi election results that forced Rahul Gandhi to ask the Maharashtra government to rethink upon the report.
"However, so far no action has been taken against leaders and officials involved in the scam," said Shanta.
{{/usCountry}}"However, so far no action has been taken against leaders and officials involved in the scam," said Shanta.
{{/usCountry}}He said corruption in Maharashtra and Himachal were two big challenges for the Congress party.
"Congress's stand on these issues will establish whether it will try to improve or will tread on the path of corruption," said Shanta.