BJP "unveils" Cong links with Romesh
From Our Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 5 — The BJP today sought a detailed explanation from the Congress party about its alleged connections with the self-styled politician, Romesh Sharma.

The police is said to be "in possession" of video footage of three former prime ministers which suggests their links with Romesh Sharma. A full-fledged investigation into the alleged political business, bureaucratic and criminal connections of Romesh Sharma, who was believed to be the close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, was necessary, spokesperson of the BJP, M. Venkaiah Naidu said.

The reports of the investigation done by different investigating agencies should be made public, he said.

The BJP spokesperson also sought from the Congress party an explanation as to how late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi "inducted" Romesh Sharma into the AICC despite "Sharma’s antecedents and well known links with anti social elements".

The spokesperson alleged that the Congress party was planting stories in the media to distance itself from Romesh Sharma and tarnish the image of its rivals. "The Congress not only has Romesh Sharma but had Sushil Sharma also", he said.

Mr Naidu also spoke about the Congress "involvement" in Bofors, sugar, urea, telecom and many other scams.

He alleged that the Congress was also "deeply involved in the anti-Sikh riots" in 1984.

Jittery about BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Sushma Swaraj, the Congress was trying to tarnish her image by pointing out her links with Romesh Sharma, the spokesperson said.

Sources in the Delhi Police told TNS here today that the Bombay police had planned to arrest Sharma under the National Security Act way back in 1989 but had to yield under political pressure.

Sharma was finally detained under the NSA on Wednesday evening on orders issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner, Mr V N Singh, for allegedly indulging in anti-national activities.

Joint Commissioner (Southern Range) in the Delhi Police, Mr Amod Kant, said Dawood’s mother Amina Bi visited Romesh Sharma’s residence in Malviya Nagar on March 19, 1993, and left for Mumbai the same day. He pointed out that her passport was made within 24 hours without any police verification.

He said Romesh Sharma arranged for Amina’s passport in connivance with officers of the passport office. Mr Kant said that further investigations were on.