The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress continued to trade charges against each other over the alleged sexual harassment by former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, with Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, accusing a Union Cabinet Minister of “shielding” the accused.
On Wednesday, Ms. Swaraj, without naming the Union Minister, posted her views on ‘Twitter’.
She wrote: “Union Cabinet Minister who is the founder and patron of Tehelka is shielding Tarun Tejpal.”
To this, Union law Minister Kapil Sibal, in spite of not being named, took umbrage at the insinuation and vehemently denied any connection with Mr. Tejpal.
Addressing the media, Mr. Sibal said he is neither related to Mr. Tejpal, nor does he have any stake in Tehelka. Mr. Sibal accused the BJP of falsely stating on social media platforms that Mr. Tejpal is his nephew and that he holds a stake in the publication.
Earlier, the BJP criticised Mr. Tejpal for his comments that he was being victimised and the case is the fallout of a political conspiracy.
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “...that Tarun Tejpal makes Goa the place of occurrence of the incident… this advice was not given by the BJP.” He said Mr. Tejpal has already admitted to his crime and is now trying to hit out at the girl and point fingers at her character.
