No interference with CBI, says PM

NEW DELHI: Even as the BJP demanded his resignation and stalled Parliament for the second day on Tuesday over the Quttarocchi issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his government has done nothing wrong and that the rule of law will prevail.

Rejecting the saffron party’s charge that the government was delaying the extradition of Quattrocchi, the prime accused in the Bofors bribery scandal from Argentina, the Prime Minister said: “I solemnly affirm that this government has done nothing wrong. The rule of law would be allowed to prevail. There was no interference in the functioning of the CBI.”

The PM was speaking to reporters outside the Parliament after the Opposition forced adjournment of both the Houses. Asked why Parliament was not functioning properly, he said: “You should ask the Opposition. This is a sad commentary on our system.”

Blaming the opposition for a ruckus in the Parliament, Singh said the government was ready to discuss and debate any issue, including Quattrocchi and price rise.

Dismissing the BJP’s allegation that the CBI was under pressure, he said the investigating agency had been allowed to function independently and with “full” autonomy.  He said the CBI and the government had taken prompt action for securing the extradition of Quattrocchi.