Congress's charges against Jaitley over Mallya meeting 'ridiculous': Sena
What's the story
The Shiv Sena today hit out at the Congress saying its allegations against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya's claims on meeting him were "ridiculous".
It asked if the Congress knew about their meeting, why did it remain silent all these years.
The Sena said the controversy was a part of the preparation for the 2019 General Elections.
Mallya's claims
Congress had accused Jaitley of providing Mallya free passage
Mallya had on Wednesday claimed in London that he had met Jaitley before leaving for the UK, while Jaitley said he never gave him an appointment but the businessman used his privilege as an MP to accost him in Parliament.
Latching on to his comments, the Congress President had accused Jaitley of providing Mallya a "free passage" to "run away" from India.
Liar
Mallya is a liar: Sena
"Mallya is a liar. The statement he made in a London court has landed Jaitley in trouble. He claimed that before leaving India, he had met Jaitley and offered settlement," the Sena said.
"But what's the need of making Jaitley an accused just on the basis of Mallya's statement? But Congress has done that," it said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
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Those unwanted being removed now, already happening with Jaitley: Sena
"Is it that there is somebody else behind Mallya's revelations and the subsequent attacks by the Congress. It is all a part of 2019 poll preparations. Those unwanted are being removed now. It is happening with Jaitley," the Sena said.
Settlement
Banks were not ready for Mallya's settlement offer: Sena
"Mallya left the country without repaying loans worth thousands of crores. Currently, he's facing extradition trial in London. There are 16 banks in India that are hit by NPAs and those who took loans from these banks were tycoons, including Mallya," it added.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party added that although Mallya tried to go for one-time settlement, the banks were not ready for it.
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Mallya was MP, could easily roam in Parliament: Sena
"The banks weren't ready for Mallya's offer thus he met Jaitley in the Parliament. Being an MP, it was Mallya's right to roam in the Parliament. Therefore, the Congress leader (PL) Punia's charge that Jaitley is also an accused is outrightly ridiculous," Sena said.
Details
Sena mentions Rahul Gandhi attending family function of Nirav Modi
Mallya is not the only one who defaulted on loan repayment. There are many such loan defaulters roaming openly as MPs, the Sena said.
"It has now come to light that Congress President Rahul Gandhi was present at a family function of (fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi). So, should Congress chief Rahul Gandhi be blamed for his escape?" the Sena asked.
Information
Sena gives example of Bofors scandal accused businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi
The Sena said Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors scandal, couldn't have left India without the Indian Government and the CBI's help. Quattrocchi had fled India in 1993 and didn't face trial in the cases filed against him. He died in Jul'13.