Jaitley remark on Rajiv sparks row in Rajya Sabha

Congress members clashed with Law Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha today after he refused to give a clean chit to former PM Rajiv Ga...

Congress members clashed with Law Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha today after he refused to give a clean chit to former PM Rajiv Gandhi in the Bofors deal.

The row erupted shortly after the House assembled. Congress members stalled proceedings for nearly half an hour, demanding an apology from Jaitley who said the CBI is considering moving a higher court on the Delhi HC’s verdict clearing Rajiv Gandhi.

Jaitley was replying to Congress member Arjun Singh’s suggestion that RS should concur Rajiv was ‘‘unnecessarily persecuted’’ for 17 years and ‘‘hounded till his death’’. Jaitley said it was not yet appropriate to make such a mention as the CBI was considering an appeal. He added that yesterday’s judgment was ‘‘not the final view’’.

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The remark enraged Congress members who demanded an apology from the NDA Government for tarnishing the image of the Gandhi family.

Jaitley picked up an argument with Congress member Kapil Sibal, saying he should remember he (Sibal) was a counsel in the Bofors case. Sibal retorted, saying he had not hidden the fact and was free to express his opinion.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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