Basil Rohana Rajapaksa is described by analysts as the political strategist in Rajapaksa administration

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya after swearing-in as a national list MP, Basil Rajapaksa rejected accusations of nepotism and corruption.

He was appointed as a parliamentarian by the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) for the vacancy created by the sudden death of the non-cabinet minister, Anwar Ismail.

Denies corruption charges

Pandemonium broke out in the parliament on Wednesday as the younger brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn-in as a new MP.

Opposition parliamentarians protested displaying placards which read '10 percent'.

I am prepared to respond to any accusation if they are raised in the parliament from now on Basil Rajapaksa speaking to BBC Sandeshaya

Asked by Sandeshaya why he was called '10 percent', Basil Rajapaksa said he was not aware whether the MPs did display such placards.

"However, I am prepared to respond to any accusation if they are raised in the parliament from now on".

The senior Presidential advisor Basil Rajapaksa is described by analysts as the political strategist in Rajapaksa administration.

Third Rajapaksa parliamentarian

He is the third member of the Rajapaksa family to become a legislator of the current parliament.

While his elder brother, Chamal, holds two Cabinet portfolios, his niece, Nirupama, replaced President Mahinda as the latter vacated his seat to become the head of state.

Basil has served as the General Secretary of the Maithree faction before joining with senior UNP leader, Gamini Dissanayake

Basil's elder brother, Gotabhaya, serves as the Secretary of Defence in the current administration.

Basil who has been in active politics for a couple of decades unsuccessfully contested the general elections in 1977 for Mulkirigila from Sri Lanka freedom party (SLFP).

'Active' UNP member

He later became the General Secretary of the breakaway faction led by SLFP's then deputy leader Maithreepala Senanayake (Maithree faction).

The Maithree faction campaigned in 1982 together with then President JR Jayawardene to postpone the term of the parliament. SLFP led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike campaigned against the referendum.

	Basil supported Anura as he formed Maithree faction of SLFP

Her son, Anura Bandaranaike, was the deputy leader of the Maithree faction.

Later Basil Rajapaksa was closely associated with senior United National Party (UNP) leader, Gamini Dissanayake.

UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunathilake told BBC Sandeshaya that Basil was an active member of the UNP during that period.

The UNP and the SLFP (m) led by Mangala Samaraweera have accused the Rajapaksa administration of human rights violations, corruption and nepotism.