BJP's sharpest attack ever on Robert Vadra

New Delhi: Amid Gandhi family's attacks on Narendra Modi over the Gujarat model, BJP today hit back by bringing out a video and a booklet on alleged land deals of Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law by terming it as 'Robert Vadra model of development'. (Please explain Vadra model of development, BJP taunts Congress)

Alleging that the 'model' became successful due to the patronage provided by the Gandhi family to Robert Vadra, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, "There was gross violation of laws relating to land and environment. The influence of the family helped make Vadra big earnings in the deals." (BJP seeks a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Robert Vadra's land deals)

The six-page booklet released by the BJP titled 'Damad (son-in-law) Shree' refers to the alleged deals of Mr Vadra in Rajasthan and Haryana.

The nearly 8-minute documentary seeks to show how Mr Vadra was allegedly helped in his business deals by the Gandhi family using their clout.

The Congress hit back, saying old and baseless allegations are being regurgitated at election time. "The BJP is panicking due to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's campaign in Raebareli and Amethi," Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, however, said the BJP was not targeting an individual but the issue of corruption. (Full Coverage: India Votes 2014)

"Someone talks about a big heart. Whose big heart helped Robert Vadra to establish his empire in such a short span with an initial investment of Rs one lakh," he questioned.

He was referring to Priyanka Gandhi's dig at Mr Modi that a 56-inch chest was not needed to run the country but a "big heart" and "moral strength". (Now, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes on Narendra Modi over 56-inch chest remark)

Mr Prasad said except Mrs Vadra, Congress has made no serious attempt to defend Mr Vadra. (Congress takes its cue from Priyanka Gandhi, offers defence of Robert Vadra)

Alleging that the land deals involving Mr Vadra were a "textbook case of corruption and crony capitalism under state patronage", he said BJP wants to know from Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi as to under whose patronage Mr Vadra was allowed to carry out the deals in Haryana and Rajasthan "violating various environmental and land laws".