AgustaWestland Debate In Rajya Sabha At A Glance

We are not saying everything is hunky dory, obviously there is wrongdoing. But the government here is trying to foist corruption charges against those not involved.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress leader

In 2014 February, UPA started process of banning. The government that came to power next, issued an order to temporary order to ban or blacklist in July. Then the government okayed exchanges with other umbrella companies... and allowed dealing with Finnemanica through third parties.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress leader

There is no investigation by the CBI, ED and we are relying on misinterpretations of an Italian court judgement. Are we a banana republic?

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress leader

I request the defence minister to explain why we don't see transparency in defence procurements in the past 6 years. A convenient backdoor entry was created to let Agusta in. Whoever is responsible, must be punished.

Bhupender Yadav, BJP leader

The Italian court judgment has affected India's image all over the world. You forfeited the bank guarantee, recovered money - that is appreciable. But my question has the bribe been recovered? This is my direct accusation against the government.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Lawmaker of Trinamool Congress

You are in the government, have some responsibility, bring some proof and then make accusations. Don't indulge in petty politics. People are suffering from drought, hunger, there is no employment.

Sharad Yadav, Janata Dal United leader

Why aren't you doing something real and only giving lectures? We are in the opposition, we will give lectures. You are in the government, your job is to clear the air.... investigate corruption. I request that go catch something -- a person or a rat -- something.

Sharad Yadav, Janata Dal United leader

I remember of two lines of Sarvapalli Radhakrisnan. He said the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from it.

Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader

I remember the Bofors scam, which resulted in no defence official willing to sign any defence deal, a government going out of power and much propaganda. But during the Kargil war it is that Bofors which proved useful.

Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader

Defence procurement created a lot of controversy. A government cannot appreciate a previous government but I can tell you sincerely that our government had zero tolerance for corruption in defence.

AK Antony, Congress leader and former Defence Minister

The admitted facts are in response to Parliament questions, there is the CAG report in 2013, the Italian HC judgement - these are admitted facts. Yes, it is true the NDA had initiated the process to purchase 8 new helicopters to replace old ones.

Subramanian Swamy, BJP leader

The international norm for cabin height is 1.45 metres. It has a great structural impact. The UPA government changed the requirement to 1.80 metres... For field trials they used another helicopter which they did not buy. And of course they conducted the field trials in Italy. The original proposal was to but 8 helicopters. But they decided to buy another 4.

Subramanian Swamy, BJP leader

Two years have passed since you came to power. What is the progress made by the CBI? Instead of levelling charges, tell the House what you have done.

D Raja, CPI leader