Khajuraho (MP): Accusing Congress of promoting corruption, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (May 3, 2004) alleged that the mastermind of the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam, Abdul Karim Telgi was a Congress worker, who is now languishing in a jail.

Asking Congress president Sonia Gandhi to refrain from levelling corruption charges against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Vajpayee said she should not forget that "the fake stamp scam kingpin was once a Congress worker and is now lodged in a jail".

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...
Political Parties in India

Wrapping up the BJP campaign for 12 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh going to polls in the first phase on May 5, near this temple-town, Vajpayee in his characteristic style remarked, "Jo Shishe Ke Gharon Mein Rahte Hain, Woh dusron ke Gharon Pe Patthar Nahin Phekte" (those living in glass houses should not throw stones at others' houses)."

Describing corruption as a social menace, Vajpayee said it should be fought jointly.

Alluding to the inexperience of Sonia Gandhi in the administration, the Prime Minister said, "Sarkar chalana koi bachon ka khel nahin hain" (to run the Government is not child's play) and warned that a minor mistake could trigger in a national crisis for a country with 100 crore people.