Subramanian Swamy demands Chidambaram's resignation

New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy on Monday took Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to task over the statement made him in Parliament on the Aircel deal, and asked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Swamy demanded that Chidambaram should step down from his post.

"Today, we saw with the statement of Mr. Chidambaram that he has admitted to three things. One as a Home Minister, who is supposed to catch thieves, he has ended up arguing that he is not a thief. He has lost moral responsibility to remain as Minister," said Swamy.

"Second, he has admitted that it is possible that the Malaysian company owned 99. 3 percent, but this is to be inquired. This happened when he was giving permission. Why didn't he hold an inquiry then? He had the Enforcement Directorate and all these people. Therefore, we want the papers of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board put on the table," he added.

Swamy further said: "Third thing he admitted that they may have common e-mails. He has to explain that. And finally, he said that his son got consultation fees, but actually the account show that it was a loan given, advance given to the Aircel Company. So, he got caught telling a lie on that."

"So, I demand that Mr. Chidambaram should resign immediately. The Prime Minister should order a CBI probe into this," he added.

Chidambaram had earlier today clarified all the doubts over the issue, saying that neither he nor any members of his family have owned any share in any telecom company.

"I am grateful to the Opposition for raising questions on Aircel-Maxis deal. I would like clarify all the doubts that neither I nor any members of my family have owned 'any share in any telecom company at any time, indirectly or directly'," Chidambaram said.

"We have no connection with any telecom company. Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd has categorically stated that it owns no equity in Aircel or Global Communications," he added.

Making an emotional appeal, Chidambaram said: "Don't question my integrity. It would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart than questioning my integrity."

He also denied that there had been any delays in granting permission for the sale of Aircel.

To the BJP's charge over the delay, Chidambaram said the approval for the deal was given in normal course of time.

"The government took 49 days to clear the deal," he clarified.

However, the opposition party said the Home Minister's explanation is unconvincing. The BJP had claimed that the deal was delayed to benefit Chidambaram's son Karti.

Swamy, who had sought an investigation against Chidambaram for his alleged role in the 2G scam, earlier made fresh allegations of corruption against Chidambaram's son Karti.

In a three-page letter dated April 24 to the Prime Minister, Swamy said that Chidambaram should be asked to resign as Home Minister and that the CBI should include him and his son, Karti, in its investigation on the Aircel-Maxis deal. (ANI)