India proposes code of ethics

The new code is aimed at restoring some order

India's ruling party has proposed a code of ethics aimed at cleaning up after the arms bribery scandal that rocked the political establishment.

The code was proposed by the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, K Jana Krishnamurthy.

The government is fending off widespread calls for its resignation

He replaced Bangaru Laxman, who was secretly filmed by the Tehelka news website accepting cash from reporters posing as arms dealers.

The footage, which implicated a slew of politicians, military officers and bureaucrats, also led to the resignation of Defence Minister George Fernandes.

"I am of the view that there should be a code of ethics governing the conduct of all BJP representatives in elected bodies," Mr Krishnamurthy said.

High standards

The new president said he wanted to set high standards of morality.

Mr Krishnamurthy was formally elected as the BJP chief last week amid widespread opposition calls for the government to resign.

Mr Fernandes was implicated by association

The government has ordered an inquiry into the scandal, but has admitted the revelations have hurt its public image.

A key regional ally of the BJP-led coalition also pulled out of the government in protest, following Tehelka's revelations.

Mr Krishnamurthy also said he has proposed what he called an "introspection camp" soon to devise a strategy to mend the damage done by the expose.

But he said his first task is to organise the party for forthcoming elections in five states.