By IANS,
New Delhi : Even as the BJP defended its party president Nitin Gadkari over alleged involvement in questionable business deals, BJP’s Ram Jethmalami Tuesday said his integrity was suspect and he must step down.
In an interview to CNN-IBN, Jethmalani — a Rajya Sabha member and a lawyer — said: “Obviously there is suspicion about his integrity and in the interest of the party and his own interest he must get out of this position (BJP president) immediately.”
Jethmalani said that the continuation of Gadkari at the helm of the BJP would jeopardise its campaign against corruption.
“He should get out of this fray now and he must give the position to somebody who inspires better confidence,” Jethmalani said.
In an obvious indication that Gadkari was a political liability, Jethmalani said: “He should not aspire for a second term (as president) because it will weaken the party’s position in the coming elections.”
Asked if he favoured shutting the political doors on businessmen, Jethmalami said: “I have no difficulty about businessmen entering politics but politics should not become their business.”