Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday told the Rajya Sabha UPA government had committed many irregularities in purchase of VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.
Parrikar said the government will leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice those involved in the AgustaWestland Scam.
He said the government would pursue the case on the basis of information provided in Italy’s Millan Appellate Court judgement.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar replied to the debate and gave the entire chronology of how the deal progressed from 1999 onwards till the time it was signed in 2006 during the UPA government.
He said there were several areas where acts of omission and commission were made by the previous UPA government.
The widely anticipated discussion on the AgustaWestland scam took place in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Nominated member Subramanian Swamy had demanded a short duration discussion on AgustaWestland Deal.
BJP leader and nominated Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy had demanded a short duration discussion following the Italian court’s order which apparently has reference to Congress leaders.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari had accepted Mr. Swamy’s notice for a short duration discussion on the subject.
As predicted, the heated verbal exchanges took place between treasury benches and opposition Congress.
Ahmad Patel, Rajya Sabha member and potical secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, announced to quit public life if the charges against him proved correct.
Many opposition leaders, including BSP Chief Mayawati and JD(U) member Sharad Yadav pointed to a delay of over two years in the probe and demanded a Supreme Court monitored investigation by the CBI.
Congress members also supported this demand and walked out of the Rajya Sabha when defence minister was responding to the members’ queries after the debate.
