Chidambaram rules out probe into Vadra-DLF deal

FM says private transactions cannot and ought not to be allowed to be questioned on the basis of imputations and insinuations

Finance Minister P Chidambaram today ruled out a probe in "private" deals between UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and realty major DLF, saying allegations by civil rights activits lack specific charges of corruption.

"Unless there is a specific allegation of quid pro quo or corruption, I am afraid private transactions cannot and ought not to be allowed to be questioned on the basis of imputations and insinuations", he said while responding to a question on the Vadra-DLF deals at the Economic Editors' Conference here.

Chidambaram said those who made the allegations have made their statement, so did the company concerned and the individual concerned. "Beyond that I have no facts," he added.

Chidambaram was asked as to how he will respond to civil rights activists’ queries that why should Vadra's transactions not be probed when Jaganmohan Reddy's deals were inquired. He said," I can't respond on behalf of the government because that is not the issue here."

India Against Corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal had demanded an inquiry into business dealings between Vadra and his companies and real estate giant DLF.

Kejriwal had alleged that DLF gave interest free loan of Rs 65 crore to Vadra. The company as well as Vadra had denied the allegations.

Vadra had earlier dismissed Kejriwal's allegations as "utterly false and defamatory" saying that his business transactions were "fully reflected" in financial statements before government authorities in compliance with the law.

DLF too had rejected the allegations that it had given unsecured loans to Vadra as a 'quid pro quo' for favours and said it had transparent dealing with him as an individual entrepreneur.

Kejriwal had alleged that besides an interest free loan of Rs 65 crore, DLF gave properties worth Rs 300 crore to Vadra at throwaway prices.