New Delhi: Charging both Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani with propping up a "corrupt government" in Uttar Pradesh, Member of Parliament Ram Vilas Paswan on March 8 criticised them for their inept handling of the controversial tape issue in the state.

"Both Atalji and Advaniji, instead of debating the issue in the Parliament, twisted the matter on the point of technicality," president of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Paswan said, while announcing the details of the "Bharat bachao" rally to be organised by LJP on March 27 at Ramlila ground.

"It is not a matter between Mayawati and Mulayam Singh… the issue is that the MPs and MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) had been asked to pay a certain amount from their funds," he said, adding it is not important whether it was asked by a Chief Minister or by somebody else.

Paswan also criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for defaming MPs and MLAs and calling them as "bikau maal" (saleable commodity).

Constitutionally as well as morally this government in Uttar Pradesh should be dismissed, he added.

Giving details of the agenda of the rally, Paswan said the "economic and communal" policy of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government would be under attack of delegates from all over the country.

"In the name of nationalisation, this government is pursuing its agenda of privatisation, which is only helping the elite class," Paswan regretted.

He also termed as "communal organisations" outfits like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal and demanded a ban on them.

PTI