Robert Vadra-DLF deals: FM rules out probe, Arvind Kejriwal to give more information tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister P Chidambaram today ruled out any probe into business dealings between Robert Vadra and DLF in the wake of allegations levelled by Arvind Kejriwal who stuck to his charge that he got favours from the realty major.

Kejriwal, the civil rights activist who demanded an inquiry into business dealings between Vadra and his companies and DLF, also indicated he will give more information tomorrow on allegations of favours granted to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law.

Defending Vadra, Congress said the attack on him is "not on an individual" but on the party and "its leadership" and also rejected demands for probe in his dealings with DLF.

As the Vadra-DLF deals continued to generate heat, Chidambaram said the government cannot look into private transactions unless there are specific allegations of corruption.

"...unless there is a specific allegation of quid pro quo or corruption, I am afraid private transactions cannot and ought not to be allowed to be questioned on the basis of imputations and insinuations", he said responding to a question on the Vadra-DLF deals at the Economic Editors' Conference here.

Kejriwal had alleged that DLF gave interest free loan of Rs 65 crore to Vadra. The company as well as Vadra had denied the allegations.

Chidambaram said he "could not respond (on the issue) on behalf of the government because that is not the issue here. I think those who made their allegations have made their statement, the company concerned has made a statement and the individual concerned has made a statement".

Kejriwal had alleged that besides an interest free loan of Rs 65 crore, DLF gave properties worth Rs 300 crore to Vadra at throwaway prices.

"DLF granted favours to Robert Vadra. What favours did Haryana Govt grant DLF? How is DLF reply a bunch of lies? Will speak tomorrow at 5pm," he tweeted today.

"The attack (by Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan), which was made under a well-planned conspiracy was not on an individual but on Congress and its leadership. It was alleged that the blackmoney of Congress was invested in it. If such an allegation is made, a clarification will certaintly come from Congress," Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi told reporters.