Salman Khurshid rejects Opposition charges of not being proactive

Rejecting charges that it was not proactive in probing allegations of kickbacks in the Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper deal, Government today said it would act only according to the law and not to please the Opposition in this case.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also dismissed suggestions that the alleged scam was "Bofors-Part II" saying the Opposition should understand that most of the allegations in the Bofors case were rejected by the Supreme Court.

He also said said India was in touch with authorities in Italy over the case and suggested that Italy was a better place to probe since the firm that produces choppers operates out of that country.

"Well, if someone is probing it you let them probe it. Should you have your own probe when someone else is probing which is probably better place to probe because that is where the production takes place and that is where the offices are.

"We obviously remained in touch with them and expected that they would keep us informed at an appropriate stage (and give information) that we will use it," he said in response to a question on why India did not probe the alleged scam.

Asked whether he suggests that India will not pro-actively probe the case, he said there was nothing called pro-active.

"There is such a thing as lawful. Whatever has to be done by law should be done and I don't think that we should do anything that is done to please the Opposition or because somebody puts pressure on us. What is lawfully required and what is lawfully justified is what will be done," he said.

Khurshid also said the Government will assist the CBI either directly or through courts in this case.

"The lawful position and lawful action to be taken will be taken," he said. On Opposition allegation that it is Bofors--Part II, he asked the parties to provide him "the final conclusions of the Bofors case and then I would say you are right".

... contd.

ALSO READ

Mega cities may turn dangerous place for women: Par Panel

Anti-Sikh riots: Life term for three, 2 escape with 3-year jail term

They hold a mirror to our times, Anurag and Dibakar are guests at Adda on Friday night

Teenage daughters put on sale for Rs 50,000 by father