The Centre late on Friday released a detailed a statement titled ‘Government’s clarification on issues related to AgustaWestland’, wherein it indirectly hit out at the Congress saying “a small section of polity questions the speed of the Government processes especially the investigation”. “But, they do not ask how the corrupt influenced the process of acquisition in the first place and bled the nation. They do not admit corruption; they instead boldly proclaim, ‘catch us if you can,” it stated adding CBI has so far investigated over 100 witnesses.
“It is indeed tragic that a small section of the Indian polity has attempted, unsuccessfully, to divert and diffuse the public discourse on this matter,” the statement released by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said.
“In their drive to divert the public attention from their own corruption, some have said that the Modi Government permitted Augusta Westland to bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters in April, 2015. The fact is that a techno-commercial Request for Proposal (RFP) for Naval Utility Helicopters was issued to eight vendors on 4 August 2012. In response to the RFP, M/S Eurocopters, France and M/S Agusta Westland SPA Italy submitted their techno-commercial proposals on 4 March 2013. RFP of the procurement case was retracted by the Government on 13 October 2014.
“The Indian Navy has hosted on the website a Request for Information for more than 100 Naval Utility Helicopter in October 2014. No Request for Proposal has been issued, therefore the question of permitting Agusta Westland to bid for the Naval Utility Helicopter in April 2015 does not arise. The government is exploring whether their manufacturing can be pursued under ‘Make in India,” the Government stated.
“By asking why did Prime Minister and BJP Government not take any action on the alleged offer dated 08.11.2015 made by James Christian Michael (fugitive middleman) to be questioned by CBI and ED including on Indian soil, some have even tried to side with a wanted criminal,” the statement said.
“It is well known that any understanding/agreement with an accused outside the frame of law is a criminal act in itself. James Christian Michael is a criminal wanted by the Indian law enforcement agencies. We are pursuing all legal means to arrest him and have him extradited to India. Michel should submit himself to the Indian legal system rather than make elliptical references to offers that are suspect in intent and reality. We are determined that the law must take its course against Michel and his associates in this matter.”
Those who cannot see Prime Minister succeed even hint at him cutting a deal, the Government said adding nothing could be farther from the truth.
“A few have even sought to link one of the accused with Ajit Doval, present NSA, as also Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. This is a totally baseless assertion, devoid of reason and logic, and indicative of malicious intent. In reality, there is no such connection,” the Government asserted.
“Individuals in some quarters have even gone to the extent of ascribing intent to the technicalities of the CAG audit of the State Governments of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. They ask as to why did Modi Government not take any action against Chhattisgarh CM, Dr Raman Singh despite an indictment of Chhattisgarh Government by CAG in purchase of Agusta Westland Helicopter, which led to loss to public exchequer (according to CAG) of Rs 65 lakhIJ
“But, the Government has been proactive in seeking response from the State governments also. As per the State Government of Chhattisgarh, the Public Accounts Committee of the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha took cognizance of the CAG report regarding the acquisition that was done in 2007, and took the evidence of State Government officials. After analysing the evidence of officials and the report of the State Government, the PAC closed the matter,” the statement said,
The Government pointed out similarly, as per the State Government of Rajasthan, the alleged loss to public exchequer according to CAG was not on account of any irregularity in the procurement process, but due to the expenditure incurred on account of lack of planning and basic infrastructure prior to procurement, such as pilot training and maintenance. In this case too, the acquisition was done in 2005, it added.
The investigative agencies will stay their course in unveiling the corrupt and holding them accountable to our public, the Government said.