Don't blackmail us on black money: Congress tells Govt.

Taking strong exception to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's statement in a television interview, the Congress Party on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre not to blackmail them with their assertions that the opposition will "be embarrassed" when the names of Indians who have black or illicit money stashed abroad are revealed in court.

Daring the government to reveal the names of all the black money account holders, the Congress said that it was ready for a probe against it on the issue.

"We urge the BJP to come out with the full list. Truth lies in full disclosure. Why only 136 names out of 800? Why the half truth? We want the complete truth.. avoid selective leakage of names, " said Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken here at a press conference.

Hitting out at the Centre for targeting the Congress, Maken said: "Congress party is above any individual. We are ready for any kind of probe. Do not threaten or even try to threaten the Congress party as we will not buckle under such threats or blackmailing."

Taking a jibe at the Centre, Maken wondered as to why the BJP had not kept its poll promise of "bringing back black money within 100 days" of assuming power.

"Modiji the entire nation is waiting for you to fulfill your promise of bringing back black money and give 15 lakhs to all," he added.

Last week, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that it cannot disclose the names of all those having black money stashed abroad as it violates the double taxation avoidance agreement.

Switzerland had earlier this month said that it will examine Indian requests for banking information on a priority basis and provide requested details in a time-bound manner.

India had also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe cases of alleged black money of Indians, including funds stashed abroad in places like Switzerland.

A Special Investigation Team, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice M B Shah, is looking into the menace of black money.