Cash-for-vote: Jethmalani now names Congs Ahmed Patel

Singhs interim bail was today extended until September 27,when his plea for regular bail will be decided.

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In a turnaround,senior advocate Ram Jethmalani today told the court hearing the cash-for-vote scam that Congress leader Ahmed Patel,and not Amar Singh,was to give the bribe money to BJP MPs to vote for the government in the confidence motion in 2008.

Arguing for Amar Singhs bail,Jethmalani went back on his September 12 submission before the same court that the money had likely been provided by the BJP as part of a sting operation against the Congress. Patel is political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Singhs interim bail was today extended until September 27,when his plea for regular bail will be decided.

The place of receipt of the bribe was not Amar Singhs house,but Le Meridien Hotel,and the person to pay the bribe was not Amar Singh,but Ahmed Patel,a very influential member of the party whose government was to be saved, the lawyer told the court.

I am not suggesting that Patel,on this piece of evidence,should be convicted,but if you are influencing MPs of other parties on behalf of your party,then you are the bribe-giver, Jethmalani said.

Patel denied the allegations: It is all baseless and humbug. I have already clarified about it.

Congress spokesperson Renuka Choudhary said the party had nothing to do with the cash-for-vote scam. We were very secure and prepared to pay the price if the government fell. There was one scenario the day before yesterday,another scenario today and will be yet another tomorrow, she said referring to the change of stance by Amar Singhs counsel.

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The chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police states that Sohail Hindustani,the first accused in the case,had convinced the three BJP MPs that Patel would be at Le Meridien Hotel on the evening of July 21,2008. Two of the MPs,fitted with recording devices for the sting operation,and Hindustani reached the hotel to meet Patel,but the Congress leader did not turn up.

The ruling party had to be saved; so the ruling party gave the money, Jethmalani said today. Congress leaders are holy cows,and cannot be touched.

Mondays hearing also had its share of drama thanks to Hindustani,who collapsed complaining of pain. He was taken out and treated,and was back for the post-lunch hearing.