BJP leaves Varun Gandhi to defend himself in 'honey trap'

The BJP on Friday did not officially react to the demand for the resignation of party MP Varun Gandhi over claims that he was "honey trapped and compromised" by defence middleman Abhishek Verma. Party leaders said Gandhi had already cleared his position and it was for him to deal with the issue.

Most of the party leaders contacted by IANS refused to comment, saying Varun Gandhi is capable of defending himself.

"Varun has clarified his position over the controversy. Party doesn't need to comment further. He is capable enough to defend himself," a BJP office-bearer told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

Another party leader, who also refused to comment officially or be identified, said, "The matter pertains to Varun and allegations are personal."

Gandhi, who represents Sultanpur constituency in the Lok Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday termed the allegations as baseless.

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) on Friday attacked the BJP over the controversy surrounding Gandhi and demanded his resignation.

"Varun Gandhi should resign from Lok Sabha on moral grounds," the party said in a tweet.

The Congress said BJP President Amit Shah should specify what action he was taking over allegations faced by Gandhi. "Will he hold an inquiry to ascertain the truth," Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar asked.

Swaraj Abhiyan leaders on Thursday released a letter written by US-based lawyer C. Edmonds Allen to the Prime Minister's Office alleging that Gandhi was "honey trapped" into leaking defence secrets by defence middleman Abhishek Verma.

--IANS

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