AgustaWestland scam: I am happy to be targeted, says Rahul Gandhi

Updated: Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 14:10 [IST]

New Delhi, May 3: Over the raising question in Parliament on AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, the BJP is taking all efforts to get answers from the main opposition Congress party in connection with the alleged controversial deal.

On Tuesday, May 3, the Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi refuted all allegations made by the BJP to target him and said that he is not worried about the false charges against him.

While reacting to the BJP's allegations that one of the top aides Kanishka Singh was closely linked with the deal, Rahul said outside Parliament, "I am always targeted and I am happy to be targeted."

BJP hit back at Rahul Gandhi's response on the scam and said that "why is Rahul Gandhi running away?" and even said that "we are not targeting Gandhis, we are asking questions over the corruption charges as the UPA government is responsible to give answer over the deal. Rahul Gandhi is playing a victim card and reacting as if it's just a conspiracy by the BJP government."

On the other hand, BJP MP, Kirit Somaiya today alleged that Kanishka Singh was connected to Guido Ralph Haschke, a middleman in the alleged VVIP chopper deal. [AgustaWestland deal: CBI questions ex-IAF chief Tyagi again]

BJP also accused Congress vice president's close aide Kanishka Singh of having relations with Guido Ralph Haschke, who was arrested and involved in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam, in which Emaar-MGF was a party.

After raising question over Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her former political advisor Ahmad Patel, now Kanishka Singh is under scanner in connection with alledged Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland deal.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, SP Tyagi also figured under the scam and he was questioned by the CBI for his alleged role in deal for the second day today.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that "New facts are coming, Government is very keen to take it to its logical conclusion. BJP wants Congress to face the law and come forward to answer the rasing question on AgustaWestland deal."