Saturday, June 18 2005 12:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Indore: Taking strong exception to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's tour to Russia, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Jun 18, 2005) asked the party to clarify the purpose behind her foreign trip.

"We ask the Congress to explain the purpose behind Gandhi's visit to Russia and clarify whether it was cultural, political, personal or recreational in nature," BJP General Secretary Rajnath Singh told reporters at the airport in Indore.

Criticising UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government at the Centre, Singh said it has failed to check the growing inflation rate and increase in prices of petroleum products in the country, as compared to the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) regime.

"While the NDA managed to keep inflation within 2.5 to 4.5 points, the UPA has failed to do so," he alleged.

The former Union Minister also criticised the Centre for allowing Hurriyat Conference leaders to travel to Pakistan without Indian passports and visas.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh, Singh alleged that the Congress and SP were attempting to save BSP (Bahujan Samajwadi Party) President Mayavati in the Taj Corridor case.