Congress terms Smriti Irani's allegations against Rahul, Priyanka baseless

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday termed as "baseless" BJPs allegations against party chief Rahul Gandhi over alleged corruption in a Haryana land deal and also attacked the ruling party for dragging Priyanka Gandhi Vadras name, saying it was being done to divert attention from real issues concerning people. Congress' Communications Department incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala said the BJP was making false allegations in the wake of its "imminent defeat" in the 2019 general elections.

"Facing imminent defeat, a frustrated Prime Minister and his favourite minister Smriti Irani are resorting to labelling completely baseless and fake allegations in order to divert people's attention from the issues of rampant unemployment, widespread corruption in Modi government, agrarian crisis, economy being in doll drums and wide spread social unrest that prevails," he said. He said Irani "has got so blinded by her desire for revenge against Rahul Gandhi along with her mentor that she is resorting to fake and false allegations as a diversionary tactic but they are never going to succeed".

Surjewala said Rahul Gandhi purchased or 6.4 acres of land in Hassanpur village in Palwal in Haryana on March 3, 2008. He said the land was bought for a total price of Rs 26,47,000, that was paid by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs 4,10,006 per acre. On July 26, 2012, Rahul Gandhi gifted 6.4 acres of land to Priyanka Gandhi through a registered gift deed and the relevant stamp duty was paid. Priyanka Gandhi gifted the land to Vipassana Sadhna Sansthan, a not-for-profit spiritual organisation, on August 12, 2014. "So the entire allegation stands exposed," he said. About Irani's allegations against Rahul Gandhi concerning the Rafale deal, he said UPA had shortlisted only Dassault Aviation for contract of 126 fighter jets and there was no question of any other firm being in picture. (IANS)

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