BJP MP seeks mercy killing over inflation

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Prabhat Jha Monday wrote a four page letter to President Pratibha Patil, seeking "mercy killing" over the rapid rise of inflation and corruption in the country.

In his letter, the 54-year-old Rajya Sabha member says that rampant corruption and inflation have brought the common man of this country to the verge of death, "so it is better that a representative die earlier than to see its people die".

"You are the mother of the 115 crore people of India and you are also my mother. You must be in pain too over the inflation," the letter reads.

The opposition Congress called it a "political stunt".

"I think Prabhat Jha has some differences with party leaders in Madhya Pradesh so he has taken such a decision. Else, if it would have been because of inflation, then he should first talk to his own government (in the state) to reduce taxes like Mamata Banerjee has done (in West Bengal) and the Congress government is doing in its states," said Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kantilal Bhuria.