Gadkari demands declaration of Indian Swiss account holders

Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 (PTI) BJP today asked the Centreto immediately declare names of the Indians who had stashedblack money in Swiss Banks.

"UPA Government should, without any hesitation, makepublic names of all those who have stashed black money inSwiss Bank accounts," BJP President, Nitin Gadkari toldreporters here.

Claiming that about Rs 21 lakh thousand crore had beendeposited in Swiss banks, Gadkari said instead of trying tosuppress fact, the government should publicise the namesparticularly after WeakiLeaks report on the matter.

"Any reluctance in declaring the names of Swiss bankaccount holders will simply raise doubts about the integrityof people at the helm," he said.

Asked if names of BJP leaders may appear in the list,Gadkari said action must be taken without any consideration.

Claiming to have Swiss Bank account numbers of threepersons in the Bofors pay-off case, the BJP chief said a lotof information including alleged transfer of money to Italianbusinessman Ottavio Quattrocchi''s account came to light afterIncome Tax Appellate Tribunal order.

Accusing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of failingmiserably on economic front due to wrong policies, Gadkarisaid UPA Government failed to control sky-rocketign prices ofessential commodities, while repeated hikes in petro productsplaced unbearale burden on the poor and hit progress.

Similarly, 2G spectrum scam, CWG loot, Adarsh societyscandal any many other frauds had exposed the alleged nexusbetween the political brass of the ruling alliance and theirco-conspirators, he said.

The BJP President also described as "unfortunate" theaffidavit submitted by the Centre in the Supreme Courtdefending the appointment of controversial CVC P J Thomasfacing a corruption case in a Kerala court.

Stating that the Leader of the Opposition, SushmaSwaraj had opposed Thomas'' appointment, he wondered if Centrefelt there was no need for consensus of the three-membercommittee on CVC''s appointment, for what purpose the panel wasformed. .