The BJP for the first time went on the offensive on the framing of charges against Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti among others over the Ayodhya issue, with party general secretary Pramod Mahajan stating today that rather than asking for their resignations, the Congress should look within — to the charges framed against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in a Shahdol court recently.Mahajan said Joshi is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister after the latter returns on Sunday. As for Uma Bharti and the others he said: ‘‘You must remember that even in 1998 and 1999, charges had been framed against Joshi and Uma Bharti when they took oath as ministers.’’ ‘‘If the Congress is so worried, I have two questions for them. These relate to charges more serious than a political agitation. Charges have been framed in a case of disproportionate assets against Bihar CM Rabri Devi. But a much bigger case has taken place within the Congress’ own walls. A Shahdol court has framed a case under Section 420 against Jogi. This has never happened before to any chief minister in India.’’
