Congmen prostrating themselves before illiterate woman 8212; Jethmalani

HYDERABAD, SEPT 3: The slanging match between the Congress and BJP continued today with Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani accusing Congre...

HYDERABAD, SEPT 3: The slanging match between the Congress and BJP continued today with Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani accusing Congressmen of 8220;prostrating before an illiterate woman Sonia Gandhi for the sake of votes8221;.

Addressing a meeting of advocates here, Jethmalani questioned Sonia8217;s knowledge about the country. 8220;Is she an economist or a person with commitment like Annie Besant? She does not even know the cultural traditions of this country,8221; he said.

The Union Minister felt that while Sonia8217;s foreign origin itself may not be a big issue, the people of this country should consider what qualities she possessed to occupy the office of the Prime Minister.

8220;Sonia is surrounded by sycophants and flatterers. She is unhesitatingly telling lies on various issues,8221; the Union Minister said.

According to him, thieves, robbers, cheats and the corrupt thrive in an illiterate democracy. 8220;Congressmen are interested in continuing such a situation in this country so that they are not questioned,8221; he said.

Earlier, speaking to newsmen, Jethmalani said that the final bunch of Bofors documents could be obtained from Switzerland within a month after the formation of new Government at the Centre.

He accused Sonia of 8220;telling lies during her election campaign8221;. It was a travesty of truth to claim that there was no evidence of bribes being paid in the purchase of the guns.

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The 100-page judgment delivered by a special judge provided enough proof that Quattrocchi received 7.1 million US dollars in the deal, he said.

Referring to the allegations levelled by the Congress on the import of sugar, Jethamalani accused the party of 8220;cooking up scams8221; as it was envious of the 13-month scam-free regime provided by Vajpayee.

8220;When the onion prices went up, the Government was faulted for not importing sufficient stocks to help consumers. Now, the same party is saying that due to import of sugar, a glut had been created affecting the interests of farmers and traders,8221; he pointed out.