AK Antony denies resignation rumours

SCAM\\ The Choppergate controversy began after Italian agencies arrested Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi for suspected corruption to seal a deal made with Indian officials. A CBI team and defence ministry officials left for Italy to get more information on the alleged kickbacks in the $750 million (`3,600 crore) chopper deal. Playing down reports that he has offered to resign over Choppergate, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said he will do his duty and be present in the Budget Session. Answering questions on whether there were “differences” between the government and the ministry over the scam, he ruled out the allegations. Antony added that the government was acting together in the matter and said that the Centre and his ministry had “nothing to hide”. He assured that “nobody will be spared” if any wrongdoing was found. On the other hand, Britain allegedly will help India in investigations into the alleged AgustaWestland chopper deal controversy, Manmohan Singh said.