The Higher Moral Ground

Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool Congress), Chandan Mitra (BJP), Tariq Anwar (NCP) and Robert Kharshing : "In order to carry credibility with the public it is essential that this enquiry is conducted by an independent authority. On the basis of this independent inquiry further actioin should be taken against the MPs in question".

Mulayam Singh Yadav Uttar Pradesh chief minister: "Koi bhi MP hamari party ka nahin nikla hai (none of the MPs is from our party).. Whether it was the Volcker issue, Tehelka or the Taj scandal, only the national parties

Sushma Swaraj, BJP: "What has been shown on the TV channel is shameful. The BJP leadership has taken the matter very seriously ".

LK Advani, BJP President & Leader of Opposition: "It is a matter of concern for us. When the whole country is debating probity in public life, our own MPs have been charged with showing greed for raising questions inParliament. Strict action will be taken against all those MPs of our party who have been named. The party will first carry out an internal probe, and then, if needed, will hand over the matter to the Parliament Privilege Committee."

Ram Madhav, RSS Spokesman: "We have always considered character as a very important thing in public life. Unfortunately, those in important public offices like MPs have been found indulging in activities that are condemnable"

Mayawati, BSP president: "The party has taken the development very seriously. It is not only related to political crime, but also raises question on moral corruption. The BSP has decided to suspend its three MPs with immediate effect from the party."

(Asked if the Parliament Membership of the MPs would be scrapped and criminal proceedings initiated againstthem): "I don't want to take any hasty steps as the Speaker has already ordered an inquiry in this wholeepisode ... The party will fully abide by the decision of the Parliament following the outcome of the inquiry into the matter"

Ambika Soni, AICC General Secretary: "We have heard that questions have been asked by members at the instance of business houses and pressure groups, but for the first time this has come out in the open. I am shocked. Even though there are six BJP MPs caught on camera doing what they should not be doing- illegal gratification acceptance, and of other parties, but Congress did not waste even a single minute to suspend our MP. This struggle to raise the moral standard of elected representatives is an ongoing process.....we have been writing to introduce the system of filing affidavits before we get a ticket from a party to contest anelection........(Sonia) Gandhi's direction came immediately to suspend him (Ram Sewak Singh) from the party. And after having done that naturally, the MP will also come and put his point of view at the appropriate level of the partyhierarchy,"

Nilotpal Basu, CPI(M): "This matter has to be seen as an opportunity for Parliament to cleanse itself. The process should not be delayed and the matter should be brought to speedy conclusion as the whole credibility of Parliament is being brought to question"