BJP demands ISI-linked8217; minister8217;s removal

JAIPUR, SEPT 5: The BJP has demanded the removal of Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Tayyab Hussain, who is facing an inquiry after the Vish...

JAIPUR, SEPT 5: The BJP has demanded the removal of Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Tayyab Hussain, who is facing an inquiry after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad charged that he has links with Pakistan8217;s ISI. The party made the demand in a memorandum to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot yesterday.

The Meos 8212; the community to which Hussain belongs 8212; have criticised the VHP8217;s allegations as a part of a conspiracy against the entire community and declared that they are fully behind Hussain.

The VHP had alleged that Hussain was providing support and co-operation toanti-social elements with ISI links and involved in activities like smuggling illegal arms and cows for slaughter. They too had submitted a memorandum to the CM with these charges.

Hussain reportedly met Gehlot the following day and the latter ordered that an inquiry be conducted into the charges by a Superintendent of Police from the CID. He also ordered the transfer of a DSP, Prahlad Singh Meena, whom the VHP had accused of harbouring anti-Hindu sentiments.

Consequently, this prompted the state BJP to demand the removal of Hussain from the Cabinet and entrusting of the inquiry to the CBI 8220;to facilitate a free and fair probe8221;. Rajasthan BJP president Bhanwar Lal Sharma said that even junior government functionaries are relieved or suspended when an inquiry is held against them. Moreover, he said, how could a mere SP do his job properly against a Cabinet Minister.

The VHP, while appreciating the Chief Minister8217;s prompt action, seconded the BJP8217;s view and asked for an inquiry by the CBI or a judicial commission into the whole affair as it concerned the security of the country. The VHP said that Hussain should be barred from entering the Mewat region during the period of inquiry.

Hussain has dismissed the charges against him as well as the demand for his resignation or removal. A meeting of the Rajasthan Meo Panchayat expressed full support to Hussain, who is the Choudhary of the 36 Meo castes of Mewat.They alleged that the charges against him were part of a conspiracy againstthe Meo community.

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Hussain said the VHP had not mentioned any specific charges against him in the memorandum which they gave to the Chief Minister. The only instances they cited were of alleged atrocities by one community against the other, sometimes with the connivance of the police. 8220;I myself asked the Chief Minister to get the facts verified and since they were accusing a DSP, I suggested his removal from the place so that they could not complain,8221; Hussain said.

Moreover, ISI activities are investigated by Central Government agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, he added. 8220;The Centre has no complaints against me. I am on good terms with Home Minister L.K. Advani as well as the Prime Minister. Who are these people to raise such questions about my patriotism?8221; he said.