Chopper scam to haunt Centre

The UPA government was dealt another blow after corruption charges over a VVIP helicopter deal resurfaced.

Though allegations of a scam in the deal surfaced last year itself, the government remained silent and no inquiry was ordered. However, the government ordered a CBI probe within two hours of the arrest of the CEO of Finmeccanica, whose subsidiary AgustaWestland supplied the choppers to India.

The UPA government now has lots to explain when the Budget session gets underway on February 21.

The BJP and the Left parties have already launched a scathing attack on the government. “The bribe-giver has taken action but the country that has lost (India) has not taken any action,” said BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar. CPM general secretary Prakash Karat demanded that the government should identify those involved in the alleged scam and take action immediately.

This is the second scam to hit the country’s defence forces in a year, after the Tatra trucks scam.

With the bribery charges resurfacing, the focus has shifted to the defence ministry categorically rejecting the allegations last year. When asked about the charges, Defence Minister A K Antony had said: "The Indian Air Force and the Special Protection Group repeatedly told us that helicopters were required because of the changing security scenario.

The finance ministry also agreed later. The cabinet committee on security then took a considered decision."