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Irani slams Rahul of spreading “more lies” on Rafale, raises Vadra’s PA issue
New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Amid rancorous politics on Rafale fighter jet issue, Union Minister Smriti Irani took a dig at Rahul Gandhi accusing him of telling “more lies” on the matter after he called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharama a “liar”, and alleged that Gandhi’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra had a plush 1.9 million pound house in London, which is under the scanner of Enforcement Directorate.
At a press briefing, Irani said even after the Defence Minister placed all the facts in Parliament, it took Rahul Gandhi “48 hours to wake up, only to spread more lies”.
Raising issue of Gandhi’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra, Irani said the Congress’ ‘rashtriya damaad (national son-in-law)’ made headlines on Saturday when the Enforcement Directorate, while seeking non-bailable warrants for Vadra’s personal assistant Manoj Arora, informed a Delhi court that the plush house in London which is under the scanner belongs to Vadra.
Irani also mentioned the Enforcement Directorate allegation that Vadra has close relations with controversial defence consultant Sanjay Bhandari who is now hiding in London.
Citing some media reports, the Minister said: “The ED presented before the court and sought a non-bailable warrant against Manoj Arora. It is highlighted how digital evidence was procured during an Income Tax department raid on the premises of Sanjay Bhandari, a well-known arms dealer, who also happens to be a close friend of Robert Vadra.”
“The digital evidence procured during the raid reveals that Robert Vadra beneficially controls a house — 12, Bryanston Square, London in UK valued at GBP 1.9 million. In the digital evidence, which found communication between Vadra and others, has shown that the London house procured by Vadra underwent renovation to the tune of 66,000 GBP”.
“Media reports again highlight how Vadra indicated that the said amount can be addressed, paid by his assistant Manoj Arora. Even after three summons issued by ED, Arora refused to join the investigation. The ED has requested the court to issue a non-bailable warrant in the fear that Vadra’s personal assistant will flee justice,” Irani said.
“Today, it is upon us to request Vadra in the interest of justice to kindly tell his personal assistant to present himself before the ED,” Irani added.
The minister also said that the Congress President should “beseech his brother-in-law” to ensure that Arora presented himself before the authorities.
Refering to media reports, the Minister further alleged that important, confidential and sensitive documents relating to the Defence Ministry were found from the premises of Bhandari during the raid by the agencies.
“Since Vadra is a publicly known associate of Bhandari, he may also want to enlighten the nation as to how his arms dealer friend came to be in possession of sensitive defence documents,” Irani said.
–IANS
rak/prs
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.