Shimla:
Senior Congressman and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is addressing the media apologising for his behaviour earlier today. This morning Mr Singh threatened to "break cameras" when media persons questioned him about the latest set of corruption charges against him. His party, the Congress, also apologised for his comments.
Highlights of the Mr Singh's press conference: On threatening the media- If anybody was offended, I am sorry. I didnt mean it.
- I have not hurt any body's sentiments deliberately - nor am I aware where it happened. Sometimes it may happen that you are busy and feel pestered by microphones.
On allegations of corruption
- They are attacking me personally because of Congress' successful campaign.
- I respect Arun Jaitley - but allegations have no basis.
- I don't know when ISPAT was shut , when it was raided, what happened - I got to know after this came out in the press.
- I have met the proprietor of ISPAT only once.
- I have not extended them any favours - why should they help me?
- VBS - I never call myself VBS-my name can be abbreviated as VS not VBS
- I have heard there can be a CBI inquiry - I welcome it
- There is Shivraj Chauhan's name in the diary too - that doesn't mean he is guilty.
- I deny the charges - this is character assassination.
- He (Arun Jaitley) is acting as an investigator, prosecutor and judge - all in one.
- Everyone has the right to revise returns - that return can be scrutinised. I have not heard from the tax department.
- No allegations have been proved. Has it been proved that ISPAT has paid me?
- I will not let people point fingers at my character, my honesty.
- My party is defending me, I am not weak. I will take action against people pointing fingers at me.
- All proof against me has been fabricated.
On his aide Anand Chauhan who allegedly brokered deals for him
- I was an MLA where I met him.
- I entered into an agreement where he will do the marketing of produce from the orchards and look after the work.
- The money which he has invested is my money which has been accounted for.
- When the income rose, we revised our returns - we have properly explained this in the returns