Modi is 'chowkidar' of corrupt, says Sibal

The Congress on Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of "doing nothing" on issues it held dear, including corruption, while a year has passed since the BJP-led alliance took office at the Centre.

Before he took over as prime minister, Narendra Modi would say that parliament would be rid of corrupt people, even if they belonged to the NDA or his own party, the BJP, former minister Kapil Sibal told a press conference here on the eve of beginning of monsoon session of parliament.

"He would say he was a 'chowkidar' (watchman) of the nation's wealth and would not allow the corrupt to steal it. But now he has become the 'chowkidar' of the corrupt," the Congress leader said.

Sibal also criticised the central government for not giving due importance to African and West Asian countries in its foreign policy.

"They (Indian government) have not attended even a single conference of African nations," he said, adding that it was just busy with the US and other big western countries. Nothing is being done for the countries in West Asia and Africa, he added.

On the smooth functioning of parliament, Sibal said the BJP when in opposition would maintain that obstruction was part of its parliamentary strategy, but now it seemed to be thinking otherwise.

"Top BJP leader used to say obstruction is part of parliamentary strategy," the Congress leader said.