Bangalore: Accusing the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) of removing from the amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act "safeguards" that existed in the repealed POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act), NDA (National Democratic Alliance) convenor George Fernandes today (Sep 25, 2004) charged it with "cheating" the people and said he expected UPA to "get out of Government" for it.

Fernandes told reporters in Bangalore that UPA had promised during the poll campaign to repeal POTA to garner votes but "what they have done now is to remove all the safeguards that POTA had" which "is a deception" worked on the people.

He said new provisions had "made the life of every citizen come in the hands of a policeman who may have scores to settle" and would expose minorities to a "greater danger".

Safeguards relating to interception of communication and telephone tapping contained in POTA had been removed, among others, he said.

"The new law can be used without going through any of the steps the earlier law had," he said, adding, it was "cheating" the people.

"Congress and Marxists should come clean on this. Where exactly they want to go. Why have they removed the safeguards." Asked what specifically JDU (Janata Dal-United) expected them to do, he shot back, "I expect them to get out of Government. You have taken the oath of office saying you will do certain things. You are now cheating."

Fernandes said the minorities were told that POTA would be repealed but what they had done now with the amendment was to "expose them to a greater danger. What right do they have to remain there (in office)?"

"Anyone could be arrested now. I am asking them to get out of Government. Marxists say they were watchdogs. Why have they now become sleeping dogs," Fernandes said.