Kejriwal Alleges Haryana-DLF Nexus, Demands Vadra's I-T Scrutiny

In his second presser in five days, Kejriwal said even the Punjab and Haryana High Court had pulled up the Haryana government and described its actions vis-a-vis DLF as "malafide" and "nexus".

According to him, Vadra's company acquired almost 50 percent shareholding in DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd a year after it was formed in 2007. These were sold back to the company a year later.

A former income tax officer, Kejriwal hit out at Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for backing Vadra.

"All the evidence we have provided today makes it a fit case for an income tax raid," he said.

"I have been an income tax officer, and I know it. But after the country's finance minister speaks in favour of Vadra, which officer will have the guts to give (Vadra) a notice?"

"What is the relation between Congress and Vadra? What is the relation between Vadra and the government?... Why is the finance minister defending him? Why is the law minister defending him? All the ministers are trying to save him."

Kejriwal's harshest words were directed at the Haryana government.

"Panchayat land has been handed over to DLF, HUDA land has been handed over to DLF, FAR (floor area ratio) has been increased for DLF, land use rule have been changed (for DLF)," he said.

Congress spokesperson Raashid Alvi questioned the veracity of the documents presented by Kejriwal and dubbed his charges baseless.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said the BJP wanted a comprehensive enquiry.

"It is high time the Congress stops running away from a probe. It is neck deep in corruption."

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Basudeb Acharia asked why the Congress was not ordering a probe if the allegations against Vadra were indeed baseless.

Several farmers who alleged that the Haryana government had usurped land from them using fraudulent methods also spoke at the press conference.

Asked if the activists will move court, Kejriwal said if investigative agencies cannot work fairly under Manmohan Singh government, it should resign.

"Then we will think of going to court," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal had alleged that Vadra's fortunes had risen because of his dealings with DLF.

India Against Corruption (IAC) member and lawyer Shanti Bhushan said the dealings between DLF and Vadra were covered by the Prevention of Corruption Act.