Sonia behind Tehelka operation, alleges Fernandes

Patna, Oct 11 (UNI) Notwithstanding the charges of corruption against him in Defence deals, senior JD(U) leader and NDA convener George Fernandes today renewed his pledge to fight corruption on the occasion of Jai Prakash Narain's birth anniversary.

Addressing a function, organised to mark the birth anniversary of the crusader against corruption, Mr Fernandes alleged that Congress president Sonia Gandhi had engineered and provided fund to carry out the Tehelka sting operation with a view to defaming him.

''Despite unholy design of the Congress to hinder the struggle against corruption, we shall carry forward our mission to eradicate the menance from Indian society, '' the NDA leader vowed.

Mr Fernandes came down heavily upon Ms Gandhi and alleged that the FIR against him was filed at the instance of the Congress since she wanted to ''shield corrption'' now rampant in public life.

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