Monday, April 11 2005 20:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Describing as a "National disgrace and criminal offence" the allegedly morphed photograph of Rajya Sabha MP Najma Heptulla appearing along with Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad in a book published by ICCR, Congress today (Apr 11, 2005) demanded her resignation from the chairmanship of the Council as also a thorough inquiry into the matter.

"It is forged one. Its a disgrace and criminal offence. Its abuse of Office and distortion of history, If any shame is left, she should quit as chairperson of ICCR," Party spokesman Anand Sharma alleged at his media briefing.

He alleged Heptulla, who is the President of the Inter Parliamentary Union, "was not fit to represent India or to sit in Parliament here."

She is currently BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan.

Accusing her of misusing the name of Azad, he said Heptulla, who is the chairperson of ICCR, which published the book titled "Journey of a Legend", must be held accountable for the "superimposition" of her photograph and an inquiry should be set up to bring out how it happened.

Sharma charged the former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson was now in a party famous for "distorting, and misrepresenting history."

"Not only that, Heptulla wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he should jointly release the book with Pakistan President Musharraf during his visit to India," Sharma said.

Sharma said if Heptullah claims family relationship with Maulala Azad why she wanted a photograph with him.

Asked why no action has been initiated since this alleged "forgery" came into notice, Sharma said, "Well it has come to our notice only yesterday. But action will be initiated definitely as we are of the view that it must not go un-investigated and unpunished."

To a volley of questions if Heptulla is really related to Azad, Sharma said he was not aware of it but added that Azad's other relatives in Kolkata have spoken about it.

About her over three decades ties with Congress party occupying several high posts, including thrice Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Sharma said her "opportunistic politics was known to us only when she accepted an award from the RSS chief."