Former Prime Minister of India - Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Statement Issued By Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

It is most unfortunate that a totally baseless controversy over the import of caskets for the martyrs of the Indian Army is being raked up again and again by certain political parties in the context of the current campaign for the election of four State Legislative Assemblies.

The so-called “Coffin Scam” is completely unfounded. Wild allegations have been made against the Government and, specifically, against the Defence Minister. Some have even demanded his resignation. Such false allegations, especially in a sensitive matter concerning those who have laid down their lives in defence of our Motherland, can demoralise the jawans and officers of our Armed Forces. Never in the history of independent India have such false allegations been made at a time when our troops have been deployed on the borders.

The Opposition parties have failed to provide even an iota of evidence to substantiate the allegation that money was made in the import of caskets. The Government has nothing to hide in this matter. We had expressed our readiness to debate this issue even in the last session of Parliament. The Opposition parties not only shied away from debate, but also stalled the proceedings of the House by creating a pandemonium. If they want, let them seek a discussion on this issue in the forthcoming session of Parliament. As they say in Hindi, “Doodh ka doodh aur paani ka paani ho jaayega.”

Attempts to justify raising of the caskets issue by comparing it with the Bofors gun deal are untenable. Investigation so far has clearly established that illegal commissions were paid in the latter deal. The law will take its course in this matter, unhindered by any political consideration.

I am also surprised that my recent remarks, made in a rally in Raipur on January 28, about the current unhealthy trend to create baseless controversies over security-related matters have been misinterpreted in certain political circles. Contrary to what is being alleged, at no time have I said that there should be no debate over security-related issues. India is a democracy. Parties in the Opposition have every right to raise such matters and criticise the Government, provided their criticism is based on facts, and not on untruths and insinuations. My Government fully respects this right and has no intention whatsoever of muzzling a healthy and responsible debate.