M A I N   N E W S

BJP brings Sonia in line of fire
AICC chief had close ties with Quattrocchi, says Advani
Bijay Sankar Bora/TNS

Guwahati, January 9
The BJP today alleged that Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi’s involvement in the Bofors pay-offs case lead “directly to the doorstep” of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. It also demanded a clarification from the Gandhi family on its relation with Quattrocchi.

“We think the way the kickbacks were given being very clearly established by the appellate authority identifying Ottavio Quattrocchi, who all of us know had enviable access to the then Prime Minister (Rajiv Gandhi), takes this whole issue clearly to the doorstep of Shrimati Soniaji,” BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Veteran party leader LK Advani said Sonia Gandhi had a close association with Quattrocchi, who was a "regular" at her house.

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi had close association with Quatrochhi. Though I am not making an allegation against any person, but people should know the details as our image has been internationally tarnished (due to Bofors scam),” Advani said at the conclusion of the BJP national executive meet here.

“It is common knowledge that the Bofors issue was suppressed by the government. Even the Income Tax Tribunal had pointed out Quatrochhi had taken commission from Bofors and be taxed accordingly, but the CBI suppressed it,” Advani alleged.

“The Congress, particularly its first family is faced with the power of truth. Truth has the habit of coming up at inconvenient time. Misusing the CBI to undermine this case, each time and at every level, the party ensured that Quattrocchi was enabled to flee the country,” the BJP said.

Dubbing 2010 as ‘the year of corruption’, the party adopted a resolution at the meeting to mobilise public opinion against “Congress’ corrupt practices.” On the Spectrum scam, the resolution stated: “The Prime Minister’s ‘do-nothing’ approach has only helped the matter go out of control. By remaining a mute spectator, the PM has undermined his office and simultaneously allowed the nation to be looted.”

The conclave resolved to hold rallies at various places across the country in order to draw people’s attention to the “rampant corruption” by the Congress. The party has vowed to highlight the failures of the UPA Government in addressing the issues facing the common man - particularly the failure to control the price rise. (With PTI inputs)