Ruling Congress, today rejected the Centrl Information Commission, CIC order on bringing political parties under the RTI ambit. BJP however said that it is not against any rule which brings transparency in politics and public life. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi contended that the adventurist approach would harm democratic institutions in the country.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi BJP spokesperson, Captain Abhimanyu said that BJP abides by the law of accountability and transparency. He said the party always follows the rules of the Election Commission and Income Tax.

Several other political parties have criticized the CIC ruling. Janata Dal (United) Chief Sharad Yadav said the Election Commission is already there to deal with any deficiency in the conduct of the political parties. The CPI(M) has also criticised the ruling saying it will affect inner party democracy.

Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy has said the government will consult political parties regarding Central Information Commission’s ruling that political parties come under the ambit of Right to Information Act. Speaking to AIR, he said RTI is basically for central and state governments, public institutions and government aided institutions.

The Central Information Commission, CIC, yesterday held that the parties are public authorities and answerable to citizens under the RTI Act.