Thursday, December 23 2004 10:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Mounting an attack on the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leadership for "shielding" Narendra Modi, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) president Laloo Prasad yesterday (Dec 22, 2004) demanded resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister in the wake of a sting operation by 'Tehelka'.

Tehelka had captured BJP MLA Madhu Srivastava purportedly saying that key witness in the Best Bakery case Zaheera Sheikh was paid Rs 18 lakh to turn hostile in the case in which all the 21 accused were acquitted by a fast track court last year.

"I demand the resignation of Narendra Modi who has been the main villain in Gujarat riots," Laloo said seeking resignation of L K Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee from the Lok Sabha for having "shielded" the Chief Minister.

"It (Tehelka expose) is an extremely serious issue and I am not going to keep silent over it," Laloo asserted but parried a question whether he would seek dismissal of the Modi Government and imposition of President's rule in Gujarat.

"I will discuss the issue with my Cabinet colleagues, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. We will ensure that Gujarat is not repeated elsewhere in the country," he said before leaving for New Delhi.