Chopper deal: Parrikar to place facts in Parliament on May 4


Panaji, May 1 (PTI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said he will place all facts along with the detailed chronology about the controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal before Parliament on May 4.

"I will place the detailed chronology, giving facts about the chopper deal before Parliament on Wednesday. I will place the detailed chronology, giving how and when necessary clauses or provisions were relaxed to suit the company," he told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.

"Those who received kickbacks will not leave behind the proof for us to prosecute them, but we will have to prove it (that kickbacks were received)," he said.

"It is for us to prove everything now. Since the issue would be placed in Parliament, I would not like to speak in detail to media," the Defence Minister further said.

"Why no action was taken against the company till 2014? Why was the company not blacklisted by then UPA government?" Parrikar questioned.

"I challenge the Congress to show the UPA government's order blacklisting the AgustaWestland company. Let them reply first why it was not banned. It was during our (NDA) government that we banned it," he said.

Parrikar had recently challenged the Congress to show the order by the UPA government confirming the blacklisting.

AgustaWestland was not blacklisted during the UPA rule, top Modi government sources had recently claimed, asserting it was the NDA dispensation which had put on hold all acquisition proposals with the VVIP chopper scam-tainted firm.

Parrikar was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to lay foundation stone for a football ground in Panaji.

The deal for the choppers went off track in 2013 when Italy arrested the head of Finmeccanica, which owns AgustaWestland, for paying bribes to secure the deal.

An Italian court, which convicted AgustaWestland chief Giuseppe Orsi, had reportedly described how the firm paid bribes to top Congress leaders to bag the Rs 3,600 crore deal.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Frazer Town,B'lore

    Mon, May 02 2016

    Why you beat around the bush and go for media publicity.If you have solid proofs arrest the persons involved.Never use this to conceal your wrongs.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    BJP is in power and Congress is almost reduced to non-entity and is at his weakest position. So why doesn’t BJP initiate enquiry, investigate the matter, find out the guilty and then punish them, instead of making only the political statements? Prior to last LS elections, Modi and his entire motor mouth brigade kept on saying that if they come to power, they will send Vadra, Sonia and Rahul Gandhis to jail within 2 months on corruption charges. It's two years and not a single case is filed, let alone sending them to jail. Does it mean, BJP is just doing 'hit-n-run- to get political mileage? In fact there have been so many allegations against Gandhis over the years about corruption, about black money, Swiss accounts etc. But to this date, not a single corruption case has ever been proven against them. In fact hardly any complaint has ever been filed against Sonia or Rahul Gandhi in anywhere in India for graft. Even the much-hyped National Herald case has taken back seat now. So as they often said, are the Gandhis been victim of political vendetta and their characters are assassinated to boos BJP's narrow-nationalistic vision? There have been wild, rude and inexplicable allegations against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over the years by all and sundry. But to this date, neither BJP, Subbu Swamy nor anyone else in this country has ever been able to prove anything against them. Now that Sonia has challenged the BJP to investigate and find her wrongdoings, if any, what is preventing BJP from doing so? Instead of blaming in the press conferences, prove the allegations in the Court and prove that Gandhis are corrupt. Till then, we know that all these allegations are aimed at hiding NDA govt's failures and PM's inability to deliver his pre-poll promises and diverting people's attention from real issues.

    DisAgree [2] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Nothing but mud-slinging and Modi regime's continuous efforts to FIX the Gandhis somehow or the other. Let's for a moment agree that UPA did not blacklist Finnmeccanica but it was done by NDA. Then why did then they approve Finnmeccania under Foreign Investment Promotion Board. If NDA had blacklisted it, how come it became part of 'Make India' programme and was allowed to participate in Defence Expo? Would Parikkar answer that? In the very words of Jaitley, UPA defence minister Anthony had passed an order on May 12, 2014 to stop all the dealings with Finnmeccanica. But on May 16, 2016 new govt came to power. So the orders could not be implemented. It was then processed later in July 2014. The new govt could have just implemented this UPA order by just issuing a fresh note. But they did not do it and rather allowed Finnmeccanica to be part of the defense deals till now. After AgustaWestland was caught in controversy, the UPA govt had withheld the bank guarantee provided by the company and had taken back the payment of Rs 1800 crore. An investigation was launched through CBI. But what did NDA do in the last two years? Why did not the CBI investigation move even an inch after 2014? If BJP knew MMS, Sonia and other Congress leaders were involved in bribe, why the investigation initiated by the UPA was not expedited and the accused punished? Forget about chargesheet, CBI has not even completed 25% of the investigation. Now that the Milan court has issued the verdict, BJP is latching on to it to score political points. If BJP is really confident about Congress' wrongdoing, why not file cases against MMS, Sonia and arrest them immediately? In the last 2 years, what NDA govt did to complete the investigation? Parikkar says that those who received bribes would not have left behind any traces which mean you don't have any proof to prove that MMS, Sonia received bribes. If so, on what basis are you accusing them

    DisAgree [3] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • JP,

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Does anyone had guts to arrest accused????????? Any bharat ma ke laaaal....please arrest the culprits and show you have balls.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, May 01 2016

    BJP and Congress deserve award in corruptions and scams. If possible expose all those who looted India and tax payers money.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Santhosh,

    What about Lalit Modi and Mallya exit?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • SMR, karkala

    Sun, May 01 2016

    If BJP has all evidence in the Chopper deal it should prosecute the accused.
    Considering the timing coincide with 5 state assembly elections,it is just an character assassination to reap some political benefit.

    Why Swamy and BJP is silent on Rs 60 lakh crore illegal mining and covert export of thorium was taking place in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu?

    Did PM Modi's Central government will answer where is 4 lakh crores money has gone given as bank loans?
    Jai Hind

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Sheera athe Sajjige Bajil.


    Whom to trust and whom to believe. Still let the truth come out. Guilty should be punished.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    BODA SHEERA on may 4 ???
    Thinle.. thinle.. thinle..
    Chi chi tu tu for scam ridden dongi congi party.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • gm, mlur

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Sheeradhotig chai la korpera?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santosh,K, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    '17 scams' that had allegedly taken place under the Modi government in Gujarat,
    1)Land sold cheap to Adani Group
    2)Cheap land for ind, not for airforce.
    3)Agriculture University land allotted for hotel.
    4)Essar Group's encroachment.
    5)Land given to Bharat Hotel.
    6)Corruption in allotment of lakes.
    7)Land given to L&T.
    8)Gujarat government had allotted the land to some industries and industrialists who had signed MoUs in the five editions of VGGIS.
    9)Cattle feed fraud.
    10)Scam in Anganwadi centres.
    11)GSPC.
    12)Luxury aircraft used by CM .
    13)Rs500 crore SSY scam.
    14)Indigold Refinery land scam.
    15)Swan Energy.
    BODA SHEERA !!!!!!!!!!
    After became PM GOD Knows.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2016

    In politics always the achievements of ruling party which upholds the good name and their efficiency or else, be a critic of opposition party and party members by pin pointing or trying (fabricating) to expose them to public eyes. That’s called trying to diverting public attention from own weak points for better survival. But time will prove everything.
    Facts will remain as fact and big big speeches vanish in the air. Public is simply watching.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • gm, mlur

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Last 2 years there are number of new schemes and number of accusations of the previous gov't.

    Results: Not known / expecting after 2019.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev Kumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Much worried. At last where she land..taking a small child of 44.
    Even in babul is having problem.
    Sasural...sasural mein problem..
    jaye...toh jaye kahan...samjhane na..
    dard baare...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Dev Kumar,

    If Sonia Gandhi were to go to her Maika, she would have gone with her teenage children in 1991. That she stayed behind to continue the legacy of a family that gave three Prime Ministers to India, seems to look like penury to you. With the fortune left behind by her husband's three prior generations, she can purchase a larger island than Baba Ramdev owns - have you any idea ?

    Right now you answer why Modi traded two Keralite fishermen's head with two Italian marines to garner news about AugustaWestland deal. And, why BJP kept quiet till Italian court gave the verdict.

    Were BJP waiting for the bribe (that Congress wasn't able to snatch) from Chris Michel or are BJP leaders now lost all hopes of getting any pittance that they have starting barking from all angles ?

    Why did they not come out with protest in last two years ? Why ?

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • mohan, mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Read the book written by Professor Ashutosh Varshney

    "During the India-Pakistan war of 1971 (coinciding with the liberation struggle of Bangladesh), under emergency provisions, the leave applications of all Indian Airlines pilots were cancelled so that they could be used for providing logistical support. The only exception was Rajiv Gandhi, a full-time pilot with Indian Airlines. Sonia Gandhi nee Maino, who now claims that she is an Indian till her last breath, flew off to Italy with Rajiv Gandhi and their two children.

    While indigenous Indians serving as pilots with Indian Airlines stood by to serve their motherland, Sonia Gandhi nee Maino and family remained in the more congenial surroundings of Italy during the entire duration of the war, returning only after General Niazi had signed the surrender papers".

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    You scratch my back (Congress) and I will scratch your back..... 68 years of Independence......

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Hussain, Abudhabi

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Instead of these accusations why don't you just jail all Gandhis and Vadras ???
    Made a huge noise on Robert Vadra pre elections and after elections hell bent on Gandhis....But cant jail...Just talk talk talk n talk ...And bhakts clap

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    ಸೂಟ್ ಕೇಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಸೂಟ್ ಬೂಟ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರವೇ ಮೇಲು...

    DisAgree [12] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rosario Fernandes, Kallianpur

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Yes, it is true that Congress was full of scams. But they gave us constant governess for over fifty years. BJP is communal and dividing the nation which is dangerous. They want to dominate all educational and filmy institutions because these are the areas deeply influence the implementation of their stupid ideologies.(RSS/VHP)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev Kumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Kya is baar amma chakki peesing..peesing inside...along with puthhu..!!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • gm, mlur

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Lets see the facts from Parrikar.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Parliament/Ministers are making best use of their valuable time to find out facts & figures of opposition party and their leaders.

    Fight no problem, but also try & do your best to fulfill your commitment and promises on black money and our share of Rs. 15 Lac.
    Why everyone from BJP is quiet. That is also citizens right of share. Hurry up if you want to retain and continue power in next elections.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sushanth, Manipal

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Time Pass Jhumla Government.
    instead of concentrating what they have promised just doing complaint like a kid .. lol

    DisAgree [6] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, May 01 2016

    It appears that the British Middleman of the Chopper deal got the kickback from Italian firm for distributing to agents in-between.

    It could be normal for all government officials in the route of the deal to receive a certain share of it but much before receiving any amount, the entire contract got terminated. Clever man Chris Michel, kept the whole lot of the money with himself while the Indian politicians hung on to their expectation but in the meanwhile the government changed !

    Why did the new government did not open their mouth till the Italian court gave the verdict ? Because, now they were in the slot of expectant politicians ? Presently, that they are sure that Michel will not loosen his fist, the easy target it the Italian in the Congress ? The lady, being certain of not receiving a penny, is yelling at the top of her voice denying having received any bribe.

    To be frank, a politician is chor to the core - whether BJP or Congress. One thing BJP supporters will never succeed in doing is enticing Congress supporters over the reason that Congress is corrupt. Because, Congress supporters do know that BJP is no saint either.

    Wooo Haaa....

    DisAgree [5] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, May 01 2016

    To those who disagreed to my comment :

    There is absolutely no problem with your disagreeing to what I say. At the same time, please also be free to say whether you did it just because you don't like reading anything written by me or you actually have a reason for 'why BJP kept quiet for two years' ?

    DW has given you a forum to express your views, please feel free to express your opinion.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • willie, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    What a system we have - LS and RS.
    Sometimes i wonder whether we elect these leaders to find faults with the previous Governments or to improve the living standards of the common people.The change in mandate is given to improve the situation. Here we are, all leaders spend more time to find faults with each others rather than addressing the prevailing problems. This is applicable to BJP, Congress or any governments, at centre or state level. Most of the time is wasted in the Parliament by accusing each other, personal vendetta and so forth. Same leaders enjoy all the perks without delivering the goods. What a shame. Country is facing problems for basic requirements for the common people such as water, electricity, food, environment, roads, list will continue.
    And here we have immuned politicians. They do not go through these problems.
    Who will help us ?
    Use your vote properly. Kick out tainted politicians and pray to ALMIGHTY.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Which party will give a ticket to a saint Willy ? Even if a saint gets elected, he too will be made a thief by these politicians or eliminated if he doesn't abide.

    Therefore, sensible voting is a paradox.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rosario Fernandes, Kallianpur

    Sun, May 01 2016

    BJP is scared of 2019. Shiv Sena is making a 'Kachra' of them. Modi thinks by touring the world, he is popular. On the contrary, people have realised that BJP is only a talking/marketing party. May be Congress had done wrongs, thats why we voted BJP. But this one is doing "VENDETTA POLITICS FOR SURVIVAL". Enough is enough.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, May 01 2016

    you said
    BJP is scared of 2019.
    BJP is only a talking/marketing party.
    May be Congress had done wrongs
    We voted BJP

    I am amused that the first three points don't tally the last point... those who voted for bjp, would not be this impatient and waiting to give clean certificate to the cong.
    Family amassing billion dolar is pure hardwork and govt still need to do vendetta? LOL

    DisAgree [1] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, May 01 2016

    One way ticket to TIHAR ...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • willie, Mangalore

    Sun, May 01 2016

    But jouney date is after 20 years......this is advance booking ????

    DisAgree [4] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, May 01 2016

    willie, M Parrikar is a IIT Graduate & not a FEKU ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, May 01 2016

    Parrikar is a IIT Graduate and not a FEKU ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Chopper deal: Parrikar to place facts in Parliament on May 4



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