Modi Govt's fresh attack on Chidambaram: 'UPA Govt designated few companies for gold exports, it's a textbook case of massive irregularity'

The Narendra Modi government on Wednesday launched scathing attack on the Congress party and former finance minister P Chidambaram for allegedly opening all doors for the favourable companies in Gold Scheme.

"Congress designated few companies for gold exports. Export-import rights were given only to PSUs and Public entities, SBI, State Trading Corp," said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on UPA Government's Gold Scheme during a press conference at BJP headquarter in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"UPA govt during P Chidambaram's tenure opened all doors for the favourable companies. Those who have been prohibited from participating 80/20 scheme were brought in," Prasad said.

He also added: "These trading houses were allowed to import gold up to 2,000 kg from any port of India. There was no control and verification. This is downright racket."

"It is a textbook case of massive irregularity," the Union minister said.

Also read: Chidambaram passed order to benefit private firms including Gitanjali gems on Lok Sabha result day, alleges BJP

"On 15 May 2014, P Chidambaram announced a new policy in which Star Trade Operators were attached to premium trading houses which included Gitanjali jewellers," Prasad added.

Prasad said that the model code of conduct clearly states that any favour, relief for anyone with respect to taxation cannot be done without the permission of the Election Commission.

"Did the then UPA govt ask the Election Commission about violation of any model code of conduct?: the Union Minister asked.

"Why was such a big step taken by the then UPA govt just one day before the general elections results?: he added.

Attacking Chidambaram, Prasad also said it was a serious policy change under which those players who have been prohibited from being participants in the 80:20 scheme were brought in by opening a window for them.