Defence Minister A K Antony today said the government has nothing to hide in the VVIP helicopter deal and he is prepared for a detailed discussion on it in Parliament. Mr. Antony said due course of law will be followed and no mercy will be shown to the guilty. Addressing the media on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, he said the government is vigorously trying to find out the truth behind the allegations of foul play in the deal.
Trashing reports about rift between the Defence and External Affairs Ministries over the deal, Mr Antony asserted that all the wings of the government are working in perfect coordination. He said his ministry is handling the enquiries into the deal and the support of Ministry of External affairs will be taken whenever needed.
Mr Antony dismissed demand for his resignation saying that he is all set to discuss the issue on the floor of the House so that the whole nation knows the truth. The Defence Minister said he is sad and upset over the allegations of kickbacks despite taking all precautions at all stages of the deal.
The defence minister said his ministry is awaiting the report of the CBI team, which is in Italy to investigate the case.
Meanwhile the External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid
made it clear that he has not expressed reservations on scrapping the 3600 crore rupees contract to procure VVIP choppers from an Italian firm. He said the Defence Ministry will recommend what it thinks appropriate on the issue.