Tag: P Chidambaram

I-T notice to Congress is warning to all political parties, says P Chidambaram

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Income Tax department’s notice to the Congress, imposing a penalty of ₹135 crore, was a warning to all political parties in the country and the public too, of the BJP’s intention to destroy the parties, former union minister P Chidambaram alleged on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Friday received fresh notices from the income-tax department, asking it to pay another ₹1,823.08 crore.

“The BJP government imposed a fine of ₹135 crore on the Congress party though the saffron party obtained ₹8,250 crore through electoral bonds. This is a warning to the political parties and people that the BJP wants to destroy all the parties,” Chidambaram told reporters in Pudukottai.

Through the move, the BJP hoped to remain as the only party in the country, he said. “Its agenda of ‘One nation, One election’ is nothing but ‘One country, One party.’ This warning is for everyone,” the senior Congress leader said and added that people would soon realise this.

Earlier, addressing party workers at Aranthangi in the district, he claimed that the AIADMK would join the BJP alliance after the general elections.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Apple Threat Notifications | P Chidambaram says after Pegasus mystery, suspicion points to a govt agency

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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After the Pegasus mystery, the finger of suspicion points to a government agency, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Wednesday, a day after several opposition leaders claimed they were alerted by Apple about a “state-sponsored” attack on their iPhones.

At the moment, it is only a suspicion, Chidambaram said.

“It is undeniable that hundreds of Opposition leaders got an alert from Apple of a state-sponsored attempt to compromise their phones. Why only Opposition leaders? Who will be interested in compromising the phones of Opposition leaders,” the former Union home minister said.

“After the Pegasus mystery (not resolved until this date), the finger of suspicion points to a government agency. At the moment it is only a suspicion,” the Congress leader said.

Several opposition leaders on Tuesday claimed they received an alert from Apple warning them of “state-sponsored attackers trying to remotely compromise” their iPhones and alleged hacking by the government, a charge rejected by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The minister assured a thorough probe into the matter.

Those who received such notifications include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, party leaders Shashi Tharoor, Pawan Khera, K C Venugopal, Supriya Shrinate, T S Singhdeo and Bhupinder S Hooda; Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra; CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, AAP’s Raghav Chadha, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and some aides of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also received the notification.

Yechury and Chaturvedi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Moitra shot off a missive to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, raising concerns over the issue and demanding action.

Reacting to opposition leaders’ claims, iPhone maker Apple Inc said it is possible that some threat notifications may be false alarms and some attacks may not be detected.

It, however, refused to say what triggered warnings received by the opposition leaders.

Also Read: Apple ‘Threat Notifications’ to Mahua Moitra & Others | India asks tech giant to clarify how secure its devices are

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

P Chidambaram on Rs 2,000 notes: They only benefitted ‘keepers of black money’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram took to Twitter on Monday morning to criticise the Government of India on its handling of the issuance and withdrawal of the Rs 2,000 denomination notes. Calling the initial introduction of the note a “foolish move,” the senior Congress leader raised concerns about the political narrative surrounding the withdrawal and the Modi administration’s alleged failure to tackle black money.

Banks have clarified that no identity, no forms and no proof will be required to exchange the Rs 2000 notes

The BJP’s spin that the Rs 2000 notes are being withdrawn to unearth black money stands demolished

Ordinary people do not have Rs 2000 notes. They shunned it soon after…

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 22, 2023

Claiming that the Rs 2,000 notes “only helped keepers of black money,” Chidambaram added that he was happy about the withdrawal.

“The Rs 2000 note was a foolish move in 2016. I am glad that the foolish move is being withdrawn at least 7 years later,” he tweeted.

ALSO READ | RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 notes from circulation — but you need not worry

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced its decision to withdraw the notes, which remain as legal tender.

Chidambaram’s statement questioned the BJP’s intention behind the withdrawal and dismissed the party’s claim that the decision aimed to uncover undisclosed wealth.

“The BJP’s spin that the Rs 2000 notes are being withdrawn to unearth black money stands demolished,” he said.

Chidambaram added that ordinary people did not find the Rs 2,000 notes useful for daily retail transactions and therefore “shunned” them soon after their introduction in 2016.

ALSO READ | RBI’s dilemma: How to communicate the difference between note withdrawal and demonetisation

“So, who kept the Rs 2000 notes and used them? You know the answer,” Chidambaram accused.

According to Chidambaram, the Rs 2,000 note only helped keepers of black money to hoard their money with ease, contradicting the government’s stated objective of eliminating black money from the economy.

Now, with the clarification from banks that no identity cards, forms or proof will be required to exchange notes, Chidambaram claims: “The keepers of Rs 2000 notes are being welcomed on a red carpet to exchange their notes!”

The senior politician expressed his scepticism by highlighting the ease with which those possessing Rs 2,000 notes could exchange them, implying that this leniency contradicted the government’s purported goal of cracking down on black money holders.

ALSO READ | RBI invites board of directors of banks to address governance and ethics issues, first meeting today

“So much for the government’s declared objective of rooting out black money,” he lamented.

The withdrawal of the Rs 2,000 notes comes as part of the RBI’s strategy to manage currency circulation, motivated by the fact that the immediate currency requirement after the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in 2016 had been achieved.

The apex bank discontinued the printing of Rs 2,000 banknotes in 2018-19 due to the availability of banknotes in other denominations.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Karnataka elections: Chidambaram questions Bajrang Dal’s ‘magical transformation’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Denying the BJP’s claim that Congress wanted to ban the Bajrang Dal, Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said his party’s Karnataka polls manifesto only promised “decisive action” under law as a warning to all organisations that indulge in hate-mongering.

Hitting out at the BJP over its criticism, he also questioned the equating of Bajrang Dal with ‘Bajrangbali’, asking how can this “magical transformation” be explained.

Chidambaram in an interview with PTI asserted that the Congress’ manifesto did not say that “we will ban the Bajrang Dal”.

“Please read the two sentences again.There is a reference to two organisations that use extreme language and indulge in extreme actions. The Congress warned all organisations that indulge in hate-mongering,” Chidambaram said.

“The Congress promised ‘decisive action’ under law. Besides, under the law, banning an organisation is a judicial process,” he said.

Chidambaram went on to question further: “I have wondered how Bajrang Dal became Bajrangbali! Can you please explain the magical transformation?”

The Congress, in its election manifesto for the Karnataka polls, said it is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste or religion.

“We believe that law and Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law, including imposing a ban on any such organisations,” the party has said in its manifesto.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi woos Bengaluru with roadshows as BJP intensifies Karnataka poll campaign

Observing that he could sense a change in the air, the former home minister expressed confidence that the people of the state will choose wisely, and stated that Karnataka could either become a model of a liberal, democratic, plural, tolerant and progressive state or an inward-looking, majoritarian, intolerant and regressive state.

“Since I am not a resident of Karnataka, I am unable to make a micro-analysis and predict the number of seats that the Congress is likely to win. My senior colleagues in the KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) are confident that the Congress will get a clear majority of the seats,” he said.

“For the sake of democracy and the future of Karnataka, we must stop the BJP from winning in Karnataka and using the victory to launch forays into the neighbouring states,” he said.

Asked about the BJP promising implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the introduction of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, the former home minister said both are issues that have the potential to divide society and trigger social conflict.

“We have the experience of what happened in some northern and north-eastern states. I think the people of Karnataka have absorbed the lessons and will reject these election proposals or promises of the BJP,” Chidambaram told PTI.

On abuse in politics

Asked about Prime Minister Modi raising the issue of abuses hurled at him, Chidambaram said, “What is ‘abuse’ is a matter of perception. Robust political language in an election is not abuse.”

“Besides, shall we play tit-for-tat and count the abuses hurled by BJP leaders against Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Rahul Gandhi? This is a pointless exercise,” he said.

On reports of former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakaumar attempting to outdo each other for the post of CM, Chidambaram said both are senior and responsible leaders of the Congress.

“The media is encouraged by the powers-that-be to sow dissensions in the Congress. I am afraid both the BJP and a section of the media will be disappointed!” he added.

On the message that will be sent out through the Karnataka polls, Chidambaram said, “We believe that a positive result for the Congress in the Karnataka election will herald the arrest of the slide of the nation into majoritarianism, bigotry, illiberalism, crony capitalism and indifferent economic growth.” “There is a clear and present danger. Sooner the nation wakes up to the danger, the better it will be for the country and the future of the people,” the senior Congress leader said.

The elections for the 224-member Karnataka assembly will be held on May 10 and the counting of votes would take place on May 13.

(With agencies’ inputs)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

ED attaches Congress MP Karti Chidamabaram’s properties worth Rs 11.04 crore

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached properties to the tune of Rs 11.04 crore belonging to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in the INX money laundering case, an official statement said here.

The ED said that out of four attached properties, one is an immovable asset located in Coorg district of Karnataka.

A provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been issued against Karti, the statement said.

Also Read: Enforcement Directorate registers case against BBC India for alleged foreign exchange violations

Karti Chidamabaram, son of former union minister and senior Congress leader P Chidamabaram, is a sitting MP from Sivaganga Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu and was arrested in the INX case both by the CBI as well as the ED.

The case pertains to alleged illegal gratification received “directly or indirectly” from INX Media Pvt Limited to which Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval was granted during the tenure of his father as Union finance minister in the UPA government.

Also Read: Karnataka Election 2023 | Former CM Jagadish Shettar blames B L Santhosh for denying him BJP ticket

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Global Hunger Index 2022: India slips to 107 rank, behind Pakistan and Nepal

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Lagging behind most south Asian countries, India has ranked 107th on Global Hunger Index 2022 out of 121 countries ranked.

With a score of 29.1, the level of hunger in India has been rated as ‘serious’ by European NGOs, Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the publishers of the Global Hunger Index.

India slipped six places from its 2021 ranking of 101 among 116 countries. Last year, the country’s score was 28.2.

The Global Hunger Index scores are determined based on the values of four component indicators – child mortality, child stunting, child wasting and undernourishment. The Index, published annually, tracks hunger globally as well as by region and country. The publishers sourced the data for the indicators from various multilateral agencies, including the UN, UNICEF, World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

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Almost all of India’s neighbours fared well with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar ranking 99, 64, 84, 81, and 71, respectively. With a score of less than five, China has topped the chart with 16 other countries.

Those who ranked below India are Afghanistan, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Niger, Haiti, Central African Republic, Yemen, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Timor-Leste, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.

The Global Hunger Index 2022 could not determine the ranks of 15 countries, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Guinea, Burundi, and Mozambique, due to the lack of data, the report said.

Following the report, Opposition leaders criticised the BJP-led Central government, saying that the country’s score has worsened since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that 22.4 crore people in India were undernourished.

“When will the Hon’ble PM address real issues like malnutrition, hunger, and stunting and wasting among children?” he wrote on Twitter.

When will the Hon’ble PM address real issues like malnutrition, hunger, and stunting and wasting among children?

22.4 crore people in India are considered undernourished

India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index is near the bottom — 107 out of 121 countries

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 15, 2022

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said that the BJP aims to create a five trillion economy but ranks 107 on the hunger index.

“Even 106 countries, up to Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, are better than us in providing bread for two times,” he tweeted in Hindi.

बीजेपी वाले भाषण तो 5 ट्रिलियन इकॉनमी बनाने के देते हैं. लेकिन हैंगर इंडेक्स में भी हम 107वें नम्बर पर हैं….
दो वक़्त की रोटी उपलब्ध कराने में भी 106 देश, नेपाल, पाकिस्तान, बांग्लादेश तक, हमसे बेहतर है

हर बच्चे को अच्छी शिक्षा की व्यवस्था किए बिना भारत नम्बर-1 नहीं बन सकता https://t.co/r3U5kmKhbq

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) October 15, 2022

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Congress’ Rajya Sabha candidate list has disappointed these party members

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A number of Congress leaders and party members have expressed their disappointment on being left out of the list for the Rajya Sabha elections. On Sunday night, Congress announced the names of 10 candidates from seven states for the biennial elections to Rajya Sabha after days of intense deliberation. The announcement created ripples in the party as it denied berths to G-23 leaders or dissenters like Anand Sharma and Ghulam Nabi Azad, while fielding outsiders for the Upper House of Parliament.

Congress party leader and spokesperson Pawan Khera tweeted in Hindi that maybe there was something lacking in his contribution to the party.

“Shayad meri tapasya mein kuch kami reh gayi,” he tweeted.

‘शायद मेरी तपस्या में कुछ कमी रह गई’

— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) May 29, 2022

Khera added his political identity, however, stems from the Congress.

‘मुझे पहचान कांग्रेस ने दी है’
मैं अपनी इस बात से सहमत भी हूँ और इस पर अडिग भी हूँ। https://t.co/zbc6LNwy5n

— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) May 30, 2022

Former actor and general secretary of Mahila Congress Nagma said her 18 years of penance fell short before Imran Prapthagiri from Uttar Pradesh, whom the Congress selected as a candidate from Maharashtra.

“Humari bhi 18 saal ki tapasya kam par gayi Imran bhai ke aage.”

हमारी भी १८ साल की तपस्या कम पड़ गई इमरान भाई के आगे । https://t.co/8SrqA2FH4c

— Nagma (@nagma_morarji) May 29, 2022

On Monday, Nagma said Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had personally committed to accommodating the actor in the Rajya Sabha in 2003-04 when she joined the Congress.

“I ask am I less deserving,” Nagma tweeted.

SoniaJi our Congress president had personally committed to accommodating me in RS in 2003/04 whn I joined Congressparty on her behest we weren’t in power thn.Since then it’s been 18Yrs they dint find an opportunity Mr Imran is accommodated in RS frm Maha I ask am I less deserving

— Nagma (@nagma_morarji) May 30, 2022

The Congress has fielded Randeep Singh Surjewala, Mukul Wasnik and Pramod Tiwari from Rajasthan, Imran Pratapgarhi from Maharashtra and Ranjeet Ranjan from Chhattisgarh.

It has also given tickets to Rajiv Shukla and Ajay Maken from Chhattisgarh and Haryana, respectively.

The party has renominated three Rajya Sabha MPs — P Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh and Vivek Tankha – from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, respectively.

Amid speculation that the Congress may choose Ghulam Nabi Azad from Jharkhand, the leader said he would not contest from the state.

“I am not there. No regrets. Maybe the other people who have been selected are more competent,” Indian Express quoted Azad as saying.

Sanyam Lodha, an independent MLA from Rajasthan and advisor to chief minister Ashok Gehlot, questioned why the Congress did not field any native candidate from Rajasthan.

#कांग्रेस_नवसंकल्प

कांग्रेस पार्टी को यह बताना चाहिए कि राजस्थान के किसी भी कांग्रेस नेता/कार्यकर्ता को राज्यसभा चुनाव में प्रत्याशी नही बनाने के क्या कारण है ?#Rajasthan #Congress#RajyaSabhaElection2022#RajyaSabha@RahulGandhi@priyankagandhi @INCIndia @INCRajasthan pic.twitter.com/HHz9ZrowAA

— Sanyam Lodha (@SanyamLodha66) May 29, 2022

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Between ‘devil and deep sea’, says Chidamabaram on states’ situation after Centre reduces excise duty on fuel

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday took to Twitter to say that he wondered if states could afford to give up the revenue they earn from VAT on petrol and diesel, unless the Central government devolved more funds or gave them more grants. “The situation is like being between between the ‘devil and the deep sea,'” he said.

The Central government on Sunday announced Rs 8/litre reduction in excise duty on petrol and Rs 6/litre cut on diesel.

“The notification on reduction of duty on Petrol and Diesel is now available. FM used the words ‘Excise Duty’, but the reduction is in Additional Excise Duty which is not shared with the states. Hence, contrary to what I said yesterday, the entire burden of the reduction falls on the Centre. To that extent, I stand corrected,” Chidambaram tweeted.

The notification on reduction of duty on Petrol and Diesel is now available

FM used the words ‘Excise Duty’, but the reduction is in Additional Excise Duty which is not shared with the states

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 22, 2022

The states get very little by way of share of duties on diesel and petrol , he said, adding that their revenue is from VAT on diesel and petrol.

Hence, contrary to what I said yesterday, the entire burden of the reduction falls on the Centre. To that extent, I stand corrected

The states are getting very little by way of share of duties on Petrol and Diesel. Their revenue is from VAT on Petrol and Diesel

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 22, 2022

“I wonder if they can afford to give up that revenue unless the Centre devolved more funds or gave them more grants. The situation is like being between “the devil and the deep sea”,” Chidambaram tweeted.

I wonder if they can afford to give up that revenue unless the Centre devolved more funds or gave them more grants.

The situation is like being between “the devil and the deep sea”

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 22, 2022

However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday said it was the duty of not just Uttar Pradesh, but also of of other states to announce a cut in VAT on fuel immediately.

“She said that after a long time, the Central government has given some relief by reducing petrol and diesel rates to the people, who were leading a challenging life because of high inflation, poverty,  stress and unemployment. Now, it is the UP as well as the other states’ responsibility to follow the Centre’s advice and reduce VAT on diesel and petrol,” she said in a tweet written in Hindi.

Also Read: CNG price hiked again within 6 days, fuel now costs Rs 2 more

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said his government would consider a further cut in fuel tax, following the Central government’s decision to reduce excise duty on diesel and petrol.

“The Centre’s decision has come on Saturday night, let’s see, we will consider it,” Bommai said.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said the Centre didn’t consult the states when it increased the taxes and that his state was already incurring loss of over Rs 1,000 crore due to the earlier tax cut announced by the Centre in November 2021. Despite the tax reduction announced on Saturday, the rates were still high compared to 2014, he pointed out.

“It is pertinent to point out that the Union had never consulted the States when they increased the taxes on petrol and diesel multiple times. The exorbitant increase in taxes by the Union Government has been only partially reduced through their cuts and the taxes continue to be high as compared to the 2014 rates. Therefore, it is neither fair nor reasonable to expect States to reduce their taxes,” he said in a statement.

With PTI inputs

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Karti Chidambaram’s chartered accountant sent to 4-day CBI custody in Rs 50 lakh alleged bribery case

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Delhi court on Thursday handed over S Bhaskararaman, the Chartered Accountant of Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, to the CBI for four day’s custodial interrogation in connection with a Rs 50 lakh alleged bribery case for clearing visas of 263 Chinese nationals working at Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd in Punjab. Special CBI Judge Prashant Kumar passed the order noting that the investigation was at its initial stage, and the accused was required to be quizzed.

The bribery incident is reported to have taken place in 2011 when Karti Chidambaram’s father P Chidambaram was the Union home minister. It is reflected from the submissions of CBI that an investigation has started in this case which is at its inception and the investigation officer requires some time to collect all the relevant information which may be necessary in this case, therefore, in my considered opinion, it would be appropriate that 4 days police remand custody is granted to the CBI, the judge said.

He noted that the accused was admittedly CA of Kartik Chidambaram and he had been wanted in another case wherein he was been enlarged on bail. The FIR is dated May 14, 2022. It is further reflected that though the accused has been inquired during this period, however, a detailed inquiry as well as the recording of his statement is yet to be done.

It is also stated by and on behalf of CBI that there are other accused persons involved in this case for which relevant information is required to proceed ahead in this case, the court noted.

The CBI, while seeking remand of the accused, told the court that he, being CA of Chidambaram, had a relevant piece of information as well as various e-mails which were required to be extracted from him for which his police remand is required. A thorough detailed investigation is to be done to extract such information from the accused, the agency said, seeking his 14-day custody.

The CBI plea was opposed by the counsel appearing for the accused, who stated that there was no need to detain the accused in police custody, claiming that all the e-mails have been obtained in the INX Media Case itself. The CBI arrested Bhaskararaman late Tuesday night in Chennai and brought him to Delhi on a transit remand.

The agency has alleged that Bhaskaraman was approached by Vikas Makharia, the then associate vice president of Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), for the reissue of project visas for 263 Chinese workers working at the Mansa-based power plant which was in the process of being set up. The CBI FIR, which contains the findings of the investigating officer who probed the PE, has alleged that Makharia approached Karti through his close associate/frontman Bhaskararaman, the officials said.

They devised a back-door way to defeat the purpose of the ceiling (maximum of project visas permissible to the company’s plant) by granting permission to reuse 263 project visas allotted to the said Chinese company’s officials, they said. Project visas were a special type of visa introduced in 2010 for the power and steel sector for which detailed guidelines were issued during P Chidambaram’s tenure as the home minister but there was no provision for the reissue of project visas, the FIR alleged.

As per prevalent guidelines, deviation in rare and exceptional cases could be considered and granted only with the approval of the Home Secretary. However, in view of the above circumstances, the deviation in terms of reuse of project visas is likely to be approved by the then Home Minister, it further alleged. Makharia allegedly submitted a letter to the Home Ministry on July 30, 2011, seeking approval to reuse the project visas allotted to his company, which was approved within a month, and permission was issued, the officials said.

On August 17, 2011, Makharia, on being directed by Bhaskararaman, sent a copy of the above letter dated July 30, 2011, to him through e-mail which was forwarded to KartiBhakaskararaman after discussion with P Chidambaram, the then Home Minister, demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 50 lakh for ensuring the approval, the FIR alleged.

It alleged that the payment of the said bribe was routed from TSPL to Karti and Bhaskararaman through Mumbai-based Bell Tools Ltd with payments camouflaged under two invoices raised for consultancy and out of pocket expenses for Chinese visas related works.

Makharia had later thanked Karti and Bhaskararaman on email, it added.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Indian government accuses Karti Chidambaram of taking bribes from a Chinese company to facilitate visas

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted raids at the residence and offices of Congress leader Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram.

The raids were conducted at nine locations across Chennai, Odisha, Karnataka and other states in connection with a new case of illegal gratification against Karti Chidambaram.

In the new case which is an offshoot of an ongoing probe, the CBI has alleged that Karti had received Rs 50 lakh bribe to facilitate the visa of 250 Chinese nationals during the UPA regime for Talwandi Sabo power project in July-August 2011, when P Chidambaram was the Union home minister, officials said.

It is alleged that the power project in Punjab for which establishment contract was given to a Chinese firm was running behind schedule and it needed manpower but there was a ceiling for allowing work permits of foreign nationals, they said.

The firm allegedly approached Karti who used his influence to facilitate the visas in violation of ceiling imposed, they added.

The agency also searched the properties belonging to P Chidambaram in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

Amid the reports of raids, Karti Chidambaram tweeted that he had lost count of the number of times his properties had been searched.

I have lost count, how many times has it been? Must be a record.

— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) May 17, 2022

“This morning, a CBI team searched my residence at Chennai and my official residence at Delhi. The team showed me a FIR in which I am not named as an accused. The search team found nothing and seized nothing. I may point out that the timing of the search is interesting.” tweeted P Chidambaram.

This morning, a CBI team searched my residence at Chennai and my official residence at Delhi. The team showed me a FIR in which I am not named as an accused.

The search team found nothing and seized nothing.

I may point out that the timing of the search is interesting.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 17, 2022

In March, a Delhi Court had granted regular bail to P Chidambaram and his son and others in the Aircel-Maxis case of CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both Chidambaram and his son are being probed by the CBI and ED for corruption and money laundering in INX Media and Aircel-Maxis deal.

The Aircel-Maxis case is related to the alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal, which was granted in 2006 when P Chidambaram was the finance minister.

Both agencies had alleged that the then FM had granted approval to the deal beyond his capacity to benefit certain people for which he received an amount.

The INX Media case came to light in 2016 when ED was probing the Aircel-Maxis case. INX Media deal also allegedly involved a similar grant of FIPB approval for the deal.

In 2019, P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI from his residence amid high drama in the INX Media case. His son Karti Chidambaram was arrested in the same case in 2018 at Chennai airport and was brought to Delhi, however, he was granted bail a month later.

(Inputs from PTI)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow