Cong demands Khadse's resignation, questions PM's 'zero tolerance' for corruption stand

With the heat turning on Maharashtra Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, the Congress on Thursday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion on 'zero tolerance' for corruption and wondered whether the same is maintained only by persecution of opposition while protecting flip-flops by the BJP leaders.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asserted that Khadse, who has been caught in one dispute after another, was being protected by his party as he was still scot free despite having several cases against him with concrete proofs.

"An ethical hacker has provided the information and the matter is now sub-judice that there were telephone conservations between dreaded terrorist Dawood and Khadse's cell phone. Why is an explanation not being given and only clean chits? Why the matte is not being investigated thoroughly? Why is he not being dismissed?" Surjewala asked.

Stating that Khadse's Personal Assistant was recently caught on the allegation of taking or demanding a bribe of Rs. 30 crores, he added that the BJP had yet again failed to take action.

"And Khadse is now accused, not by the Congress, but by Maharashtra Industries Minister Suresh also who said that industrial land belonging to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) was illegally purchased for 3.21 crores, when it was for 40 crores," Surjewala told ANI.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly been summoned to the national capital today by the BJP top brass to discuss further course in the matter.

Trouble mounted another notch for Khadse today as the BJP said that a decision would soon be taken regarding his fate in the party.

"The way the matter has been brought to light in the media, some facts can be highlighted. With new facts out, Eknath Khadse is under a cloud of suspicion and the party is sure to take a decision soon," former Mumbai police commissioner and now BJP leader Satyapal Singh told ANI.

However, Khadse has so far rubbished all the charges levelled against him.