Kill me, don't question my integrity: Chidambaram

CNN-IBN | 14-May 13:03 PM

New Delhi: Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday clarified yet again on the Aircel-Maxis deal, saying his family was not directly or indirectly related to the controversial issue. Chidambaram mounted a defence against allegations that his son Karthi benefited from the Aircel-Maxis deal. He said that the firm his son works for only provided consultancy. Chidamabram said he's open to a probe and denied any member of his family has any connection with Aircel or Maxis.

Chidambaram said the promoters of Osbridge do know the promoters of Advantage Consultancy. "Questions are being raised about transactions in 2005-2006 when Advantage raised a bill, for providing Aircel consultancy services," he said. ON his son's role, he said "My son had made a Rs 1.8 lakh investment in Osbridge and then had sold those shares to his friend and partner."

"My family has stated that they do not own any share in any telecom company any time, indirectly or directly. We have no connection with any telecom company. Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd has categorically stated that it owns no equity in Aircel or Global Communications," the Home Minister said, while making a statement in Rajya Sabha.

"Don't question my integrity," Chidambaram made an emotional appeal defending himself in the Aircel-Maxis deal, saying he's open to a probe into the companies in question after BJP's Arun Jaitley questions his son's link. "It would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart than questioning my integrity," he said.

"I have no problem if you wish to look into the accounts of Advantage Strategic Consulting and Aircel. Please go ahead. I will myself convey to the Finance Minister," Chidambaram told Jaitley.

The Opposition BJP on Monday targeted the Home Minister over the issue, alleging that the former finance minister had misused his office to help his son Karti acquire business interests in telecom operator Aircel. "Chidambaram is not answering what I have alleged. Why was Advantage Strategic Consulting PVT Ltd entered into financial transactions which was the investing company," Jaitley said.

Source : IBN Live