EDA sends Chidambaram summons on 111 deal deals by UPA government

New delhi date. August 19, 2019, Monday

Former Finance Minister P.K. Chidambaram has sent notice to the EDA in one more case. Former finance minister has been ordered to appear before ED officials on August 23 for questioning. ED Chidambaram has been questioned on two charges before. During the UPA government, 111 aircraft were purchased for Air India. There were allegations of corruption in the purchase of these planes. After that the ED was questioned by former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

ED's official said that the notice was sent to the then finance minister Chidambaram as the ED had found out that the finance ministry had a role in the purchase. P. Chidambaram has been summoned to appear before ED officer on August 23. In 2006, 111 aircraft were purchased for Air India for Rs 70,000 crore. The CAG report in 2011 raised questions about the defect in the purchase. It is being investigated then.

ED officials said that during the UPA government, Chidambaram was the head of the committee of ministers that was set up to deal planes. That is why they will be questioned in this whole matter. In 2018, an investigation was launched on four different decisions of the UPA government. There were allegations of financial turmoil in the decisions, including Air India and Indian Airlines mergers.