Monday, February 14 2005 19:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Ducking questions on whether film star Nagma, now facing allegations of links with Dawood Ibrahim, would continue to campaign for the party, Congress today (Feb 14, 2005) said it has been a votary of clean politics and its leadership has never endorsed criminalisation of politics.

"She is campaiging for the party. That much I can say. As far as the next round of her campaigning, I will let you know when programmes are finalised," Party spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters in reply to a question.

Stating that the cine actress has clarified herself about the allegation, he made it clear that "Congress is a votary of clean polity and its leadership has never overlooked or endorsed criminalisation of politics."

Asked about the reported disclosure by a close aide of the mafia don about Nagma's alleged links, Sharma said, "These are allegations. It is for the individual concerned and law enforcing agencies to clarify them. Merely on the basis of allegations we would not not like to comment."

To a question whether she was a member of the Congress Party, Sharma said, "We have to check up. The membership drive of the party has just ended and there are lakhs of people who have enrolled themselves as members of the party."

To a pointed question why the party was not coming forward with a "clear cut" reply on the issue as Nagma is a star campaigner for the party, Sharma said she was neither a star nor leading campaigner of the party. As an Indian citizen she has been campaigning for the party, he added.