Protecting convicted MPs: BJP wanted it, alleges government

New Delhi: The government, engulfed in controversy over a botched attempt to protect convicted MPs, claims that both the BJP and the Left, supported its move till as recently as August. As proof of its allegations, it offers the minutes of two different meetings of leaders from all major political parties.

Last evening, in a move scripted by Congress vice-president, Rahul Gandhi, the cabinet decided that it will withdraw both and ordinance and a Bill that stops MPs from being ejected from parliament as soon as they are found guilty in criminal cases. That rule was introduced by the Supreme Court in July, triggering a high-decibel debate among political parties.

The record of a meeting of leaders held on August 13 reflect that BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said convicted lawmakers should not be disqualified but remain in office without the right to vote or participate in legislation.

But in tweets last night, Ms Swaraj accused the Congress of "spreading complete falsehood". She said neither her party nor she were given a copy of the minutes. "What minutes? Minutes were never circulated to us," she tweeted.

The minutes of an earlier meeting, held on August 1, claim that BJP leader Arun Jaitley said that constitutional amendments would be needed. The records also show that Left leader Sitaram Yechury pushed for the amendments to the law to "ensure that these kinds of injustices (disqualification) cannot be done."

The government in August introduced a Bill in Parliament that allowed convicted lawmakers to remain in office while their appeal is heard by a higher court. Then, in a surprise move late last month, it cleared an executive order that offered the same protection - the ordinance would apply immediately, if signed by the President, till Parliament discussed the bill and voted on it.

The BJP and the Left have said that they were staunchly opposed to the government's ordinance, and that they wanted the Bill that offers protection to convicted MPs to be studied in detail by a parliamentary committee.