Aircel-Maxis deal: P Chidambaram under attack in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Opposition today targeted P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha over the Aircel-Maxis deal, dubbing it as a "big scam" allegedly involving his son but the Home Minister dismissed the charges as "wild and reckless".

Declaring that neither he nor any member of his family had acquired or had any stake in Aircel or Maxis, Chidambaram quoted from a statement of his son Karthi, hours after a BJP leader had accused him of having 5 per cent stake in either of the companies.

Amid vociferous chants against him by the Opposition, which was demanding his resignation, Chidambaram read out a statement issued by his son, Karthi.

"I categorically state that neither me nor any member of my family have acquired or hold any stake in Aircel or Maxis. The person is known to make wild and reckless allegations. It is deeply regretted that the privileged forum of Parliament is misused to level wild and reckless allegations against a private citizens," Chidambaram said.

While he spoke, BJP members stormed the Well and raised slogans. BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who raised the issue, was seen asking under what rule Chidambaram was making the statement in the House.

The Home Minister said he was making the statement as a member had levelled allegations "against me and a member of my family".

Objecting to the manner in which the issue was raised by Sinha without giving any notice, Chidambaram said, "I pray to God to forgive their sins."

The uproar led to adjournment of the House twice - first at 12.30 pm till 2 pm, and then to 4 pm.