Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday dared the Modi government to investigate the allegations that her son-in-law Robert Vadra owned a benami mansion in London, and said that charges against him were part of a political conspiracy.
She was responding to BJP leader Kirit Somaiya’s demand for a inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate into the alleged involvement of Mr Vadra in the purchase of a proxy-owned mansion in London.
The finance ministry is reportedly probing if Mr Vadra is involved in purchase of the ‘benami’ mansion in London in 2009 or not. Last month, during investigations, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari was specifically questioned whether Mr Vadra was the beneficiary of the sale of the Bryanston Square property in London. raided 18 premises owned by Bhandari.
Needless to say, the Congress and BJP are engaged in a political slugfest over the issue. Mr Vadra has been mired in controversies over his land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan, transacted when Congress was in power.
DC Take: Caesar’s wife should be above suspicion, it is said. If ever faced with serious charges like corruption, politicians and their Immediate relatives must not go into hiding. First, they ought to stay away from impropriety, and if at all accused of any wrongdoing, should come out and clear the air, lest it maligns their image further.
