CPI questions NDA's claims of 'corruption-free' governance

The CPI today tore into the NDA government's claims of corruption-free governance in the last two years, saying that by refusing probe on various issues, including the Lalit Modi case and Vyapam scam, the Centre was trying to sweep cases of wrongdoing under the carpet.
"We are challenging that (NDA's claim of corruption-free government). In the first year itself, on corruption issue, allegations came in Lalit Modi case on Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
"Allegations are different and they being proved are different. But, it is the government which has to investigate the allegations. By refusing (a probe), they are trying to sweep corruption under the carpet," CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy told reporters here.

Why is the government not ready for a probe, if there is no corruption, he asked.
On the multi-crore Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, he said it was "unusual" that about 60 people, including witnesses, suspects and journalists, lost their lives in connection with this case.
B S Yeddyurappa, who had to quit as Chief Minister of Karnataka following a Lokayukta report, has now been made BJP Karnataka unit president, the CPI leader noted.

"How (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi is saying there are no allegations of corruption against his government. In the latest instance, Maharashtra Minister Khadse had to resign in a situation in which allegations of corruption cannot be answered," he said.

Alleging that the NDA government adopted anti-poor and pro-corporate policies, he charged that the previous (UPA) government unjustifiably raised the service tax to 12 per cent, but the Centre now took it to 15 per cent by imposing Swachh Bharat cess.
Corporates have been benefited to the tune of Rs 12,200 crore by reducing the tax on them from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, he claimed.
The benefit of falling crude prices has not been passed on to common people, he claimed.
"They are for corporates. It (the government) is being run by corporates," Reddy alleged.
He also charged the Centre with "intentionally delaying" extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya, who owes Rs 9,000 crore to 17 banks in India and left the country in March.

Claiming that BJP's vote percentage has come down in the five states, including Assam, where Assembly polls were held recently, which he said showed the "falling (popularity) graph of Modi".