AgustaWestland deal: Nothing to hide, nothing to fear, says AK Antony

We have nothing to hide, nothing to fear, no role in AgustaWestland deal, said former Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

New Delhi, Dec 15: Former Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Thursday said there were no skeletons in the UPA's closet pertaining to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

"We have nothing to hide, nothing to fear, no role in it. We are very clear," Antony said outside Parliament.

"Many a time in Parliament I have explained everything with documents about the whole thing. It was our government that ordered a CBI inquiry, cancelled the contract, filed a case initially and got the money back."

Antony accused the Modi government of using the issue as a "diversionary tactic".

"This government ... whenever they are in trouble they bring the subject as a diversionary tactic," he said.

The Congress leader said party President Sonia Gandhi had nothing to do with the chopper deal.

"Soniaji has nothing to do with it. Because this chopper is for the use of President, Vice President and Prime Minister.

"The procurement was (to take place) because of consistent demand from the Indian Air Force from 1999."

On the arrest of former Air Chief S.P. Tyagi, Aantony said: "Let them complete the inquiry. Let the truth come out."

The BJP has been aggressively raising the issue of AgustaWestland in Parliament after the arrest of Tyagi.

IANS