No one in BJP flouted any law: Venkaiah on Lalit Modi row

Says this is an attempt by the opposition parties as part of their defamation campaign

No one in the BJP government at the Centre and Rajasthan has flouted any law or involved in corruption, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said as he blamed the opposition for a "defamation and disinformation" campaign over the controversy surrounding former IPL chief Lalit Modi.

The Urban Development Minister, currently on a five-day non-official visit to the US, was responding to questions yesterday about the allegations against leaders of the BJP - both at the Centre and in Rajasthan - in the Lalit Modi row.

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"No body (in BJP) is involved in corruption. No law has been flouted. No immoral activities have been taken by anyone in this government. This is an attempt by the opposition parties as part of their defamation campaign, because we have given an honest and transparent administration.

"They are disturbed, that's why they are into this disinformation campaign," Naidu told reporters after being felicitated by the Overseas Friends of BJP in Chantily, Virginia - a suburb of Washington DC.

"There is no corruption charge against Centre or any (BJP-ruled) state government. This government has provided the most transparent government... There is no corruption charge against anyone in the government," he added.

"I am confident the truth would prevail and the opposition attempts would fail," Naidu said and asserted that the functioning of the Parliament would not be affected in view of the row.

"I am confident (that Parliament would function properly), because at the end of the day people want Parliament to function.

"I propose, you can oppose, let the House dispose. Parliament should be allowed to function," he said, adding that in the last one year, Parliament's functioning has improved significantly.

"Controversies can be discussed. Opposition can question the government in Parliament and can highlight the failures if any. At the same time, the government will also present the true picture before the people.

"At the end of the day, the Parliament will definitely approve important legislations. That's my confidence. Disruption is no solution," Naidu said.

Earlier, in his address to a large gathering of Indian- Americans in the Greater Washington Area, Naidu alleged that a vested section of the society have launched a campaign against the Narendra Modi government because of its stand on corruption and because it has been successful in providing a corruption-free, transparent government.

"The Prime Minister is a nightmare for corrupt fellows," Naidu said, adding that tackling corruption is a top priority for his government.

Earlier in the day, Naidu addressed an industry roundtable organised by US India Business Council (USIBC).

In his remarks, the minister highlighted the achievements of the Modi government in the last one year and told investors that the new Indian government has taken steps to attract investments from across the world.