It's a shame that BJP wrecking law for Rajya Sabha polls: Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday accused the BJP of "manufacturing crisis" in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, alleging that it was a shame that the ruling party was "wrecking the law" for ensuring victory for its candidates in Rajya Sabha elections. He said Rajya Sabha elections are as per the respective strength of political parties through open voting, but the BJP was not doing so.

"Elections to the Rajya Sabha are intended to be held according to respective party strengths through open voting. BJP is wrecking the law. Shame," he said on Twitter.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh was facing a crucial trust vote after 22 party MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, who quit the party and joined the BJP, tendered their resignation from the House. In Gujarat, another Congress MLA has resigned ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls in the state, taking the tally of legislators who have quit the party to five.

"As if India did not face enough crises - economy, coronavirus, bank failures, the BJP is manufacturing crises in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Shame," Chidambaram said.

The Congress leader also said the states are doing better in handling the coronavirus crisis than the Centre. He asked the government to consider stronger and more determined measures to combat COVID-19. "We got a video conference that left us no wiser," he said, referring to the conference of leaders of SAARC countries on coronavirus on Sunday.

"I think the states are ahead of the Centre in handling the crisis. The time has come for the central government to take firmer, bolder and tougher measures," he said.

"The Sensex and Nifty are also reacting adversely to the governments handling of the coronavirus challenge," he said.

"There may be advantage in doing a video conference with SAARC leaders. But I think it is more important for the PM to confer immediately with the chief ministers, he said.

The former finance minister also said that, as expected, the market has taken a dim view of the "virtually coerced" investment by SBI and private sector banks in the equity of the failed YES Bank.