Snoopgate row: Gloves are off as BJP says it will reciprocate

It was alleged that illegal surveillance was carried out on a young woman in Gujarat in 2009 at the behest of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Yesterday, the government had said that the judge to head the inquiry, announced by it in December last year into the issue, will be appointed before the Lok Sabha poll process comes to an end on May 16, drawing a sharp reaction from BJP.  Needling the ruling party, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha wondered why Congress is “scared” of sitting in the opposition when it is clear that the popular mandate is not with it and it is likely to be a “two-digit” party.  

“It cannot wildly dream of being a part of the ruling combination.... All political parties need to be well trained to sit in opposition,” Jaitley wrote on his blog.  Taking potshots at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jaitley said the PM has become cynical and “complains” to people that he has been unfairly targeted.

He even advised Congress on the role of opposition and said it has a powerful role in safeguarding public interest.  “They will do well if they reconcile to their seats in the opposition. It does a lot of good to you when you introspect and plan for the future,” he said.