The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress party's political vendetta charge.
The BJP hit out at the Congress leadership in the National Herald case today, saying, "Congress and corruption are made for each other."
Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "Even in the opposition they continue to be kings of corruption and poor governance." He was speaking minutes after Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi addressed the media following their court appearance in the case.
"The current government is purposely targeting political opponents using government agencies," Mrs Gandhi had said, while her son said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted a Congress-free India "which will never be possible." Both said they would continue to fight the BJP.
"By Congress free India we mean corruption free India. Congress and corruption are made for each other," Mr Naqvi said in response. "They made it sound like they were not accused in a case but freedom fighters," he said.
Calling the National Herald case, a scam, Mr Naqvi said, "The National Herald scam has reached the top of your leadership, what does the BJP or the government have to do with it?" He said the summons (in response to which the Gandhis appeared in court) were issued by the court and the government had nothing to do with it.
"They stalled Parliament once they got the summons. These disruptions and protests will boomerang for the Congress...When the legal process is on you stand outside and cry political vendetta, it means something is amiss. Their arrogance will hurt them," Mr Naqvi said in a sharp attack. "We appeal to the country, people should judge whether an accused should appear in court or protest on the street."
Reacting to allegations that the BJP led government had rewarded the complainant in the case Subramanian Swamy with a government house, Mr Naqvi countered, "Who gave Robert Vadra a government bungalow? Is Robert Vadra an MP? Congress should realise that dozens of people get government accommodation because of security reasons. This included Priyanka Gandhi who was member of neither house of Parliament."