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BJP Accuses Tharoor of ‘Misuse’ of Authority; Demands his Removal, CBI Probe

For alleged ‘misuse’ of authority and ‘securing’ the investment of his friend Sunanda Pushkar in the Kochi IPL team, BJP has demanded removal of Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and a CBI probe into the case, reported PTI.

“It is a clear case of blatant misuse by a minister of his authority for securing the investment for his friend (in the Kochi IPL team). This is a clear case of corruption and it should be investigated.

“The Prime Minister must sack Sashi Tharoor and entire nature of this transaction must be investigated by the CBI,” party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad was quoted as saying while talking to reporters at his daily briefing in the BJP headquarters.

Prasad said that Tharoor’s role in the episode was a copy book case of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, for a minister is a public servant, report said.

“From twitter to corruption is the migration of this enfant terrible of the Congress party,” he was quoted as saying.

Besides, he dismissed the minister’s argument that he had neither invested nor received a single rupee for his mentorship of the team, said report.

Earlier, Tharoor denied IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s claim that he called him up to ask not reveal details about the shareholders.

It may be mentioned that Sunanda, Tharoor’s friend, reportedly owns 19 per cent (equivalent of Rs.70 crore) in one of the consortium partners of Kochi IPL team.

“Who is saying you have invested. Your friend has been accused of having benefited 17 to 18 per cent in equity shares in Rendezvous Sports World. That is why you have telephoned (Lalit Modi) and stopped him from giving details,” Prasad was quoted as saying.

“The issue is a question of propriety and conduct of the Minister of the Government of India. The isssue is a question that involves blatant abuse of authority of the minister and public accountability of a minister.”

He noted that Sunanda has no relationship with Kerala or cricket but only an acknowledged friend of Tharoor and that nobody is denying that Sunanda has been given 17 to 18 per cent of equity in Rendezvous, said report.

“If a minister starts making some kind of a charge directly or indirectly for profit, patronage and protection, then it becomes a copy book case of corruption,” Prasad was quoted as saying.

He pointed out the Section 13 (b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act makes clear that a minister is a public servant and if he abuses his position for himself or for any other person for any pecuniary advantage, it becomes a matter of criminal misconduct, report said.

He also said that the party was not actually interested in Tharoor’s personal life or about the IPL as such except for the fact that his role as Minister was under question, said report.

Responding to a query, he said that all the details about the ownership of the Kochi IPL team and the details with the IPL should be made public, report said.

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