Minister Can't Be Punished For Son's Deed: BJP Sources Amid Sacking Calls

Party sources also admitted to NDTV that Union Minister Ajay Mishra's shocking outburst at journalists yesterday (at Lakhimpur Kheri, in fact) was "wrong"

A father cannot be punished for the actions of his son - this, BJP sources have told NDTV, is the ruling party's position on demands from the opposition that junior Home Minister Ajay Mishra must resign, or be sacked, over his son being charged in the Lakhimpur Kheri farm killings.

Sources told NDTV the party's senior leadership is not in favour of precipitate action against Mr Mishra, and that he will not, at this time, be removed from the Council of Ministers.

Sources pointed out, as union ministers and senior BJP leaders have said, that the Lakhimpur Kheri case is sub judice (being heard in court) and that the SIT had yet to file its final report.

Party sources did, however, admit that Mr Mishra's shocking outburst at journalists yesterday (at Lakhimpur Kheri, in fact) was "wrong". The minister had been cautioned, the sources said.