George draws flak from Cong over Army remarks

The Congress today asked George Fernandes to remember ‘‘his own tenure in office’’ before casting aspersions on senior Armymen. The former defence minister had reportedly said yesterday that senior officers were passing on confidential information to bag plum posts.

Asked if the Congress will heed the SP’s warning today not to indulge in politics of revenge, party spokesperson Anand Sharma said: ‘‘Congress has never done politics of vendetta. But we would like to ask Fernandes why was there no inquiry during his time into the defence scams.’’ Referring to Fernandes’ comments on the coffin purchases, Sharma said: ‘‘The allegations regarding purchase of coffins…is in the CAG report which was not written at 24 Akbar Road…and the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament had taken cognisance of it…The NDA should have ordered an inquiry into the matter, especially after the PAC report. So why did they not?’’

The Congress slammed Fernandes’ reference to Armymen violating the Official Secrets Act for bagging plum posts with the new government. Sharma said: ‘‘Fernandes has raised questions on senior armymen’s integrity and character…Fernandes should also remember that during this time the Tehelka expose has shown in-camera how his house was open to arms dealers and officials.”