New Delhi: Taking strong exception to film star Hema Malini joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress today (Feb 19, 2004) said it would raise with President A P J Abdul Kalam the issue of a nominated member of Rajya Sabha "violating" conventions and constitutional provisions.

"Congress will complain about it to the President. He himself should see that this provision (role of a nominated member) is not violated," party spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters in New Delhi.

Hitting out at Hema Malini, who was recently nominated to Rajya Sabha, Sharma said her announcement of joining BJP was "objectionable" and went against all rules.

Hema Malini was a member of the BJP and she had campaigned for the party in elections earlier also, he claimed adding, "She has announced joining BJP for the fourth time."

As regards another film star Suresh Oberoi, he said he had also announced joining BJP three times earlier.

Congress has no objection to film stars joining politics as they were citizens of India, Sharma said. What was objectionable was the "race" between BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu and party general secretary Pramod Mahajan to bring film personalities to the party for elections.

"We have no objection to a desperate BJP leadership going on recruiting film stars. But what is ironical and hilarious is that a number of them join the party every year," he added.