Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-dares-congress-to-make-a-non-gandhi-party-president-for-at-least-5-years-177780">Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress</a>, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.

He asked the prime minister to now speak on the Rafale aircraft deal, unemployment and suicide of farmers during his rule.

In an election rally in Chhattisgarh on Friday, Modi had asked the Congress to make a Congressman, from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, president of the party for five years.

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram listed out the names and said the Congress was proud of the humble origins of its post-Independence leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, K Kamaraj and Manmohan Singh and many others besides thousand&nbsp;others during pre-Independence days.

"To jog PM Modi's memory: among the Congress Presidents since 1947 were Acharya Kripalani, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Purushottamdas Tandon, U N Dhebar, Sanjiva Reddy, Sanjivaiah, Kamaraj, Nijalingappa, C Subramanian, Jagjivan Ram, Shankar Dayal Sharma, D K Barooah, Brahmananda Reddy, P V Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri (sic)," he said.

In a dig at Modi, Chidambaram said he was grateful that the prime minister was "concerned" about who is elected as Congress president and he devotes a lot of time talking about it.

"Will he spend half the time and speak about demonetisation, GST, Rafale, CBI and the RBI?

"Will PM Modi speak about farmers' suicides, massive unemployment, lynchings, rape crimes against women and children, anti-Romeo squads, gau rakshak vigilantism and increasing terror attacks?" he said.

At the rally in Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh, Modi had also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and asked him to give an account on the contributions of the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family to the nation.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family. He asked the prime minister to now speak on the Rafale aircraft deal, unemployment and suicide of farmers during his rule. In an election rally in Chhattisgarh on Friday, Modi had asked the Congress to make a Congressman, from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, president of the party for five years. In a series of tweets, Chidambaram listed out the names and said the Congress was proud of the humble origins of its post-Independence leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, K Kamaraj and Manmohan Singh and many others besides thousand others during pre-Independence days. "To jog PM Modi's memory: among the Congress Presidents since 1947 were Acharya Kripalani, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Purushottamdas Tandon, U N Dhebar, Sanjiva Reddy, Sanjivaiah, Kamaraj, Nijalingappa, C Subramanian, Jagjivan Ram, Shankar Dayal Sharma, D K Barooah, Brahmananda Reddy, P V Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri (sic)," he said. In a dig at Modi, Chidambaram said he was grateful that the prime minister was "concerned" about who is elected as Congress president and he devotes a lot of time talking about it. "Will he spend half the time and speak about demonetisation, GST, Rafale, CBI and the RBI? "Will PM Modi speak about farmers' suicides, massive unemployment, lynchings, rape crimes against women and children, anti-Romeo squads, gau rakshak vigilantism and increasing terror attacks?" he said. At the rally in Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh, Modi had also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and asked him to give an account on the contributions of the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family to the nation.

Chidambaram responds to PM Modi, lists out Presidents outside Nehru-Gandhi family

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram slammed the Modi government and said PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers.&nbsp;

''As we had cautioned, PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) 
was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers,'' Chidambaram tweeted.&nbsp;

Chidambaram claimed that the insurance companies made a profit of Rs 6460 crore in 2016-17.&nbsp;

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As we had cautioned, PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) 
was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1062671758027841536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''In 2016-17, insurance companies made a neat profit of Rs 6460 crore! Robbing the farmers to fatten the insurance companies,'' he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

He said that in 2017-18, insurance companies will make even more profit.

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In 2016-17, insurance companies made a neat profit of Rs 6460 crore! Robbing the farmers to fatten the insurance companies
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''In 2017-18, insurance companies are likely to make a profit of Rs 8000-9000 crore,'' he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

''Is there any wonder that 84 lakh farmers have withdrawn from the scheme? And the bulk of them belong to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that will vote shortly,'' he said in another tweet.

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram slammed the Modi government and said PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers.

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram slammed the Modi government and said PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers. ''As we had cautioned, PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers,'' Chidambaram tweeted. Chidambaram claimed that the insurance companies made a profit of Rs 6460 crore in 2016-17. As we had cautioned, PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme) was designed to profit the insurance companies at the cost of the farmers — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 14, 2018 × ''In 2016-17, insurance companies made a neat profit of Rs 6460 crore! Robbing the farmers to fatten the insurance companies,'' he said in another tweet. He said that in 2017-18, insurance companies will make even more profit. In 2016-17, insurance companies made a neat profit of Rs 6460 crore! Robbing the farmers to fatten the insurance companies — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 14, 2018 × ''In 2017-18, insurance companies are likely to make a profit of Rs 8000-9000 crore,'' he said in another tweet. ''Is there any wonder that 84 lakh farmers have withdrawn from the scheme? And the bulk of them belong to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that will vote shortly,'' he said in another tweet.

Crop insurance scheme designed to profit insurance companies: Chidambaram

Former Union finance minister&nbsp;P Chidambaram Sunday asked the Centre what was its "tearing hurry" to "fix" the capital framework of Reserve Bank of India when the ruling dispensation had just four months to complete the term.

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader slammed the government for allegedly seeking funds from the RBI despite claiming that its (Centre) fiscal math was correct.

"The NDA government has completed 4 years and 6 months of its term. It has effectively 4 months left. What is the tearing hurry to 'fix' the capital framework of RBI?" he asked.

Chidambaram said if the government did not need any more money this financial year, why was it "mounting pressure" on the central bank in the last four months of its tenure.&nbsp;

"Why did it keep silent for 4 years and 6 months?" he said.

The Congress leader said the government had claimed that its "fiscal math is correct" and "boasts" that it had given up Rs 70,000 crore of borrowing for 2018-19.

"If so, why does it need money from the reserves of RBI this year?" he questioned.&nbsp;

The central government had on Friday said it was discussing an "appropriate" size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain, but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the RBI.

The RBI has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the central bank to part with a third of that fund -- an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity has brought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks.

Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg took to Twitter on Friday to clarify that the government was not in any dire need of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore.

"There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer (Rs) 3.6 or (Rs) 1 lakh crore, as speculated," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"Government's FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15 onwards, Government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3 per cent.&nbsp;

Government has actually foregone (Rs) 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year," Garg said.

The official said the only proposal under discussion was to "fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI".

Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks.&nbsp;

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram Sunday asked the Centre what was its "tearing hurry" to "fix" the capital framework of Reserve Bank of India when the ruling dispensation had just four months to complete the term.

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram Sunday asked the Centre what was its "tearing hurry" to "fix" the capital framework of Reserve Bank of India when the ruling dispensation had just four months to complete the term. In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader slammed the government for allegedly seeking funds from the RBI despite claiming that its (Centre) fiscal math was correct. "The NDA government has completed 4 years and 6 months of its term. It has effectively 4 months left. What is the tearing hurry to 'fix' the capital framework of RBI?" he asked. Chidambaram said if the government did not need any more money this financial year, why was it "mounting pressure" on the central bank in the last four months of its tenure. "Why did it keep silent for 4 years and 6 months?" he said. The Congress leader said the government had claimed that its "fiscal math is correct" and "boasts" that it had given up Rs 70,000 crore of borrowing for 2018-19. "If so, why does it need money from the reserves of RBI this year?" he questioned. The central government had on Friday said it was discussing an "appropriate" size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain, but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the RBI. The RBI has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the central bank to part with a third of that fund -- an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity has brought the two at loggerheads in recent weeks. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg took to Twitter on Friday to clarify that the government was not in any dire need of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore. "There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer (Rs) 3.6 or (Rs) 1 lakh crore, as speculated," he tweeted. "Government's FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15 onwards, Government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3 per cent. Government has actually foregone (Rs) 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year," Garg said. The official said the only proposal under discussion was to "fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI". Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks.

What is govt's 'tearing hurry' to 'fix' RBI capital framework: Chidambaram

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217">Video: 12 people including police officer killed, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217"> also dead in California bar shooting</a>

A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-help-asia-bibi-in-blasphemy-case-leave-her-country-italy-176228">Pakistan blasphemy case: Italy says will help Asia Bibi leave her country</a>

Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-civilians-one-cisf-jawan-killed-in-ied-blast-in-chhattisgarh-176193">Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh</a>

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/xi-trumps-g20-meeting-will-be-of-great-significance-china-176194">Xi, Trump's G20 meeting will be of 'great significance': China</a>

A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-trying-to-capture-rbi-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-p-chidambaram-176189">Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram</a>

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

Video: 12 people including police officer killed, gunman also dead in California bar shooting A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

Video: 12 people including police officer killed, gunman also dead in California bar shooting A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said. The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom. Pakistan blasphemy case: Italy says will help Asia Bibi leave her country Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years. Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said. Xi, Trump's G20 meeting will be of 'great significance': China A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track. Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

News brief: Big stories of the day

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19.

"The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference.

If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed.

"The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said.

"If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added.

Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media.&nbsp;

Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/demonetisation-led-to-formalisation-of-economy-expanded-tax-base-arun-jaitley-176171">formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base</a>.&nbsp;

The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016.&nbsp;

The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic.

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic." He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19. "The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference. If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed. "The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said. "If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added. Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported. "State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media. Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base. The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported. The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system. (With inputs from agencies)

Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed an order passed by the Income Tax department sanctioning criminal prosecution against the family members of former Union minister P Chidambaram in a black money case.

When the petitions by Chidambaram's wife Nalini, his son Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi came up, a division bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramania Prasad said no case was made out and quashed the criminal prosecution.

The writ petitions were filed challenging the criminal prosecution initiated by the I-T Department against them.

On October 12, the high court had extended the interim order dispensing with the appearance of Chidambaram's family members before a special court here till Friday, in the case of 'non-disclosure' of foreign assets filed against them by the I-T Department.

The issue pertains to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by the three.

According to the I-T Department, the three had failed to disclose a property they jointly own in Cambridge in the UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act.

The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had failed to disclose an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA.

He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounts to an offence under the Black Money Act, the department said in its complaint filed in the special court in May.

Assailing the prosecution, the three had approached the high court. As a single judge bench refused any relief, they moved an appeal. 
On June 27, the first bench headed by then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee reserved its order on the appeal.

However, as Justice Banerjee was later elevated to the Supreme Court, orders could not be pronounced.

The appeal was then referred to the bench headed by Justice Manikumar for fresh hearing.

During the hearing by Justice Banerjee, counsel for the appellants had contended that prima facie no offence can be made out against them under the Black Money Act, which deals with undisclosed income raised from foreign assets.&nbsp;

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed an order passed by the Income Tax department sanctioning criminal prosecution against the family members of former Union minister P Chidambaram in a black money case.

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed an order passed by the Income Tax department sanctioning criminal prosecution against the family members of former Union minister P Chidambaram in a black money case. When the petitions by Chidambaram's wife Nalini, his son Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi came up, a division bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramania Prasad said no case was made out and quashed the criminal prosecution. The writ petitions were filed challenging the criminal prosecution initiated by the I-T Department against them. On October 12, the high court had extended the interim order dispensing with the appearance of Chidambaram's family members before a special court here till Friday, in the case of 'non-disclosure' of foreign assets filed against them by the I-T Department. The issue pertains to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by the three. According to the I-T Department, the three had failed to disclose a property they jointly own in Cambridge in the UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act. The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had failed to disclose an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA. He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounts to an offence under the Black Money Act, the department said in its complaint filed in the special court in May. Assailing the prosecution, the three had approached the high court. As a single judge bench refused any relief, they moved an appeal. On June 27, the first bench headed by then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee reserved its order on the appeal. However, as Justice Banerjee was later elevated to the Supreme Court, orders could not be pronounced. The appeal was then referred to the bench headed by Justice Manikumar for fresh hearing. During the hearing by Justice Banerjee, counsel for the appellants had contended that prima facie no offence can be made out against them under the Black Money Act, which deals with undisclosed income raised from foreign assets.

Madras HC quashes I-T Dept's criminal prosecution against Chidambaram's family 

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday extended the&nbsp;interim protection of P Chidambaram and his son Karti&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aircel-maxis-case-p-chidambaram-among-9-named-in-eds-charge-sheet-173394">Airtel Maxis Case</a> till November 26.

Chidambaram and his son were named in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aircel-maxis-case-court-grants-time-cbi-obtaining-sanction-prosecute-p-chidambaram"> chargesheet</a> filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation on July 19.

The CBI is probing how Chidambaram, who was the Union finance minister in 2006, granted a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to a foreign firm, when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it.

The senior Congress leader's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

Both Chidambaram and Karti have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the ED.&nbsp;

The next date of hearing is scheduled for November 26.

The&nbsp;CBI will also file a reply on the anticipatory bail plea of P Chidambaram today.

The Enforcement Directorate had filed the copy of its reply&nbsp;on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday extended the interim protection of P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Airtel Maxis Case till November 26. Chidambaram and his son were named in the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation on July 19.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday extended the interim protection of P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Airtel Maxis Case till November 26. Chidambaram and his son were named in the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation on July 19. The CBI is probing how Chidambaram, who was the Union finance minister in 2006, granted a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to a foreign firm, when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it. The senior Congress leader's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. Both Chidambaram and Karti have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the ED. The next date of hearing is scheduled for November 26. The CBI will also file a reply on the anticipatory bail plea of P Chidambaram today. The Enforcement Directorate had filed the copy of its reply on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Aircel Maxis case: Interim protection of Chidambaram extended till November 26

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday filed supplementary charge sheet against Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram for the offence of money laundering of Rs.1.16 crore in lieu of illegal&nbsp;Foreign Investment Promotion Board&nbsp;(FIPB)&nbsp;approval in March 2006 to Global Comm &amp; Services Holdings Ltd, Mauritius.

Chidambaram allegedly had given the approval when he was the finance minister during UPA regime.

ED filed the charge sheet in Delhi's Patiala House Court, the report added.

The agency has listed nine including Chidambaram as accused in the case. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram's chartered accountant S Bhaskararaman S Bhaskaraman and four Maxis companies are also named in the charge sheet.

CBI Special Judge OP Saini fixed November 26 for consideration of the charge sheet, the report added.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday filed supplementary charge sheet against Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram for the offence of money laundering of Rs.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday filed supplementary charge sheet against Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram for the offence of money laundering of Rs.1.16 crore in lieu of illegal Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in March 2006 to Global Comm & Services Holdings Ltd, Mauritius. Chidambaram allegedly had given the approval when he was the finance minister during UPA regime. ED filed the charge sheet in Delhi's Patiala House Court, the report added. The agency has listed nine including Chidambaram as accused in the case. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram's chartered accountant S Bhaskararaman S Bhaskaraman and four Maxis companies are also named in the charge sheet. CBI Special Judge OP Saini fixed November 26 for consideration of the charge sheet, the report added.

Aircel Maxis case: P Chidambaram among 9 named in ED's charge sheet 

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case.

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ED attaches around Rs 54 crores worth properties and bank deposits of Karti Chidambaram in connection with INX Media case. Properties include, 
Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty &amp; Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona <a href="https://t.co/TTK31PMTTo">pic.twitter.com/TTK31PMTTo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050261335307706368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Attached properties include Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty &amp; Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona.

Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea.

The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

On September 28, the Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P&nbsp;Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case.&nbsp; 
He was granted interim protection from arrest until October 25.

On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28.

An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case.

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case. ED attaches around Rs 54 crores worth properties and bank deposits of Karti Chidambaram in connection with INX Media case. Properties include, Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty & Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona pic.twitter.com/TTK31PMTTo — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Attached properties include Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty & Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona. Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea. The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. On September 28, the Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case. He was granted interim protection from arrest until October 25. On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28. An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March. (With inputs from news agencies)

INX media case: ED attaches Karti Chidambaram’s assets worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK, Spain

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement.

But, the present government had cancelled it and inked a new deal.

"They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper...In that case, they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper...They are not revealing... Besides if the cost of the plane is cheaper then why not buy more jets? why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister said.&nbsp;

Alleging that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was "not aware of anything", he said in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime, three Union ministers have been taking care of the defence portfolio.

"None of them did a proper job," Chidambaram said.

Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government was buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime.

In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets, scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft, on grounds of huge cost.

A French media report had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice.

Subsequently, the Congress and other Opposition parties have stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the deal.

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement.

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement. But, the present government had cancelled it and inked a new deal. "They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper...In that case, they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper...They are not revealing... Besides if the cost of the plane is cheaper then why not buy more jets? why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister said. Alleging that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was "not aware of anything", he said in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime, three Union ministers have been taking care of the defence portfolio. "None of them did a proper job," Chidambaram said. Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government was buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime. In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets, scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft, on grounds of huge cost. A French media report had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice. Subsequently, the Congress and other Opposition parties have stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the deal.

Why is NDA government buying so few Rafale fighter jets, asks P Chidambaram

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''The NDA tried to convert <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-services-exempted-aadhaar-supreme-court-directive-167758">Aadhaar</a> into a monster that will rule every aspect of a person's life. And the NDA had been firmly rebuffed,'' Chidambaram tweeted.

The majority judgment in the Aadhaar case has retrieved the UPA's ''original'' idea of Aadhaar, he said in another tweet.

Aadhaar was meant to be a ''benign instrument'' to deliver benefits, subsidies and services to the poor. Glad that the UPA's policy has been vindicated, he said.

Picking on NDA, the Congress leader said the dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments,&nbsp;

''The dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, especially the imperious NDA government. They would do well to heed those lessons,'' he said in another tweet.

Justice Chandrachud in his judgment said passing of Aadhaar Act as Money Bill is a fraud on the Constitution.&nbsp;

''The Act came perilously close to being struck down on the ground it was passed as a Money Bill when it was not. The Act was saved by judicial forbearance,''&nbsp;Chidambaram said.

Several provisions of the Act and the Regulations have been struck down as unconstitutional, he said and added the Supreme Court judgement is a humbling lesson for the Ministry of Law.

Congress leader said&nbsp;Aadhaar remains work in progress and the future government will surely bring in amendments.

''For now, we can be satisfied that a rampaging government has been restrained and the reach of Aadhaar has been contained to benefits, subsidies and services paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India,'' he further said.

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life.

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life. ''The NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a monster that will rule every aspect of a person's life. And the NDA had been firmly rebuffed,'' Chidambaram tweeted. The majority judgment in the Aadhaar case has retrieved the UPA's ''original'' idea of Aadhaar, he said in another tweet. Aadhaar was meant to be a ''benign instrument'' to deliver benefits, subsidies and services to the poor. Glad that the UPA's policy has been vindicated, he said. Picking on NDA, the Congress leader said the dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, ''The dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, especially the imperious NDA government. They would do well to heed those lessons,'' he said in another tweet. Justice Chandrachud in his judgment said passing of Aadhaar Act as Money Bill is a fraud on the Constitution. ''The Act came perilously close to being struck down on the ground it was passed as a Money Bill when it was not. The Act was saved by judicial forbearance,'' Chidambaram said. Several provisions of the Act and the Regulations have been struck down as unconstitutional, he said and added the Supreme Court judgement is a humbling lesson for the Ministry of Law. Congress leader said Aadhaar remains work in progress and the future government will surely bring in amendments. ''For now, we can be satisfied that a rampaging government has been restrained and the reach of Aadhaar has been contained to benefits, subsidies and services paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India,'' he further said.

NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a 'monster': P Chidambaram 

According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will file a charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case on Wednesday in Delhi's Patiala House Court.

On June 6, the Enforcement Directorate said it has again summoned former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on June 12 for questioning in the Rs 3,500 crore Aircel-Maxis case.

Chidambaram was quizzed by the ED on June 5 for over five hours and his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the Aircel-Maxis case.&nbsp

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Enforcement Directorate to file a charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case tomorrow in Delhi's Patiala House Court.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006522684363059200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED are investigating how Karti Chidambaram allegedly managed to get a clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in the Aircel-Maxis deal when his father was the Union Finance Minister in 2006.

The ED, in September 2017, had attached Karti's assets worth Rs 1.16 crore. Karti faces probe for allegedly receiving kickbacks in lieu of the FIPB clearance.

On June 6, the Enforcement Directorate said it has again summoned former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on June 12 for questioning

According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will file a charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case on Wednesday in Delhi's Patiala House Court. On June 6, the Enforcement Directorate said it has again summoned former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on June 12 for questioning in the Rs 3,500 crore Aircel-Maxis case. Chidambaram was quizzed by the ED on June 5 for over five hours and his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the Aircel-Maxis case. Enforcement Directorate to file a charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case tomorrow in Delhi's Patiala House Court. — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2018 × Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED are investigating how Karti Chidambaram allegedly managed to get a clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in the Aircel-Maxis deal when his father was the Union Finance Minister in 2006. The ED, in September 2017, had attached Karti's assets worth Rs 1.16 crore. Karti faces probe for allegedly receiving kickbacks in lieu of the FIPB clearance.

Aircel-Maxis case: ED to file charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram tomorrow

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-chidambaram-questioned-by-cbi-for-nearly-4-hours-says-little-to-add-142664">INX Media case: CBI grills Chidambaram for close to 4 hours, he says 'little to add'</a>

P Chidambaram was questioned by the CBI for nearly four hours today in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX media during his tenure.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-hikes-repo-rate-to-625-emis-to-get-costlier-142583">RBI hikes repo rate to 6.25%, EMIs to get costlier</a>

The Reserve Bank of India has hiked its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This is the first hike in over four years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-ministry-expanded-25-ministers-inducted-142647">Karnataka: Kumaraswamy ministry expanded, 25 ministers inducted</a>

 
The 15-day-old H D Kumaraswamy Ministry in Karnataka was expanded on Wednesday with the induction of 25 ministers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-waive-farm-loans-in-10-days-if-voted-to-power-in-madhya-pradesh--rahul-gandhi-142593">Mandsaur killings anniversary: Rahul promises farm loan waiver, meets families of those shot</a>

 
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farmers` loans in 10 days if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-haasan-defends-meet-with-karnataka-cm-over-cauvery-issue-142663">Kamal Hassan defends meet with Karnataka CM over Cauvery issue</a>

Facing flak from some farmers' leaders for meeting Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy over the Cauvery issue, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan on Wednesday defended his initiative saying there was no restriction to work for a noble cause.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

INX Media case: CBI grills Chidambaram for close to 4 hours, he says 'little to add' P Chidambaram was questioned by the CBI for nearly four hours today in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX media during his tenure. RBI hikes repo rate to 6.25%, EMIs to get costlier The Reserve Bank of India has hiked its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This is the first hike in over four years. Karnataka: Kumaraswamy ministry expanded, 25 ministers inducted The 15-day-old H D Kumaraswamy Ministry in Karnataka was expanded on Wednesday with the induction of 25 ministers. Mandsaur killings anniversary: Rahul promises farm loan waiver, meets families of those shot Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farmers` loans in 10 days if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh. Kamal Hassan defends meet with Karnataka CM over Cauvery issue Facing flak from some farmers' leaders for meeting Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy over the Cauvery issue, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan on Wednesday defended his initiative saying there was no restriction to work for a noble cause.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram was questioned by the CBI for nearly four hours today in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX media during his tenure.

The agency has alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, both probed by the CBI in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora, sources said.

After coming out of CBI headquarters here, Chidambaram said he had appeared before the CBI and the FIR did not contain any allegations against him.

"Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence there was little to add to the record," the Congress leader said on Twitter.

Chidambaram's alleged role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore given to INX media.

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-I government.

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Appeared before CBI. 
FIR contains no allegations against me.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1004324036892033024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Questions and Answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence, there was little to add to the record
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1004324065736298496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh.

The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and the then INX news director, Peter Mukerjea, both in jail in the murder case of 24-year-old Sheena Bora, who was Indrani's daughter from previous marriage.

'Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence there was little to add to the record,' the Congress leader said on Twitter

Former finance minister P Chidambaram was questioned by the CBI for nearly four hours today in connection with alleged irregularities in clearances to foreign investments in INX media during his tenure. The agency has alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, both probed by the CBI in connection with the murder of their daughter Sheena Bora, sources said. After coming out of CBI headquarters here, Chidambaram said he had appeared before the CBI and the FIR did not contain any allegations against him. "Questions and answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence there was little to add to the record," the Congress leader said on Twitter. Chidambaram's alleged role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore given to INX media. The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-I government. Appeared before CBI. FIR contains no allegations against me. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 6, 2018 × Questions and Answers were based on the files of FIPB. Hence, there was little to add to the record — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 6, 2018 × Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and the then INX news director, Peter Mukerjea, both in jail in the murder case of 24-year-old Sheena Bora, who was Indrani's daughter from previous marriage.

INX Media case: CBI grills Chidambaram for close to 4 hours, he says 'little to add'

Former finance Minister P Chidambaram today went to the CBI headquarters for questioning regarding foreign investment clearances given to INX media during his tenure.

The agency had alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, sources said.

Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore.

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-1 government.

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh.

The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX news director Peter Mukerjea, both in jail for alleged murder of their 24-year old daughter Sheena Bora.

The agency had alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media

Former finance Minister P Chidambaram today went to the CBI headquarters for questioning regarding foreign investment clearances given to INX media during his tenure. The agency had alleged irregularities in the clearance of foreign investment in INX media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani, sources said. Chidambaram's alleged role came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance of Rs 305 crore. The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister during the UPA-1 government. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the case for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The other accused in the case include then INX media director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX news director Peter Mukerjea, both in jail for alleged murder of their 24-year old daughter Sheena Bora.

P Chidambaram at CBI headquarters for questioning in INX media case

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a notice to former finance minister P Chidambaram asking him to appear for questioning tomorrow in the Aircel-Maxis case, ANI reported sources as saying.&nbsp;

The authorities began looking at the Aircel-Maxis deal after Aircel owner C Sivasankaran lodged a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation alleging he was pressurised to sell his stake to Maxis.

The CBI and the ED are both investigating the case.&nbsp;

In February this year, the CBI arrested Chidambaram's son Karti in connection with the case.

In September 2017, the Enforcement Directorate attached assets belonging to Karti worth Rs 1.16 crore.&nbsp;

In December, the ED searched the homes and offices of Karti's close relatives.

And in January this year, the ED searched Karti's Delhi and Chennai properties.&nbsp;

The ED has summoned the former finance minister for questioning in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case on Tuesday

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a notice to former finance minister P Chidambaram asking him to appear for questioning tomorrow in the Aircel-Maxis case, ANI reported sources as saying. The authorities began looking at the Aircel-Maxis deal after Aircel owner C Sivasankaran lodged a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation alleging he was pressurised to sell his stake to Maxis. The CBI and the ED are both investigating the case. In February this year, the CBI arrested Chidambaram's son Karti in connection with the case. In September 2017, the Enforcement Directorate attached assets belonging to Karti worth Rs 1.16 crore. In December, the ED searched the homes and offices of Karti's close relatives. And in January this year, the ED searched Karti's Delhi and Chennai properties.

ED issues notice summoning Chidambaram for questioning: Sources

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbsp;news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Former union minister secured an interim protection from arrest till July 3 only yesterday from the Delhi High Court in the same case lodged by the CBI.&nbsp;

Justice A K Pathak asked Chidambaram to join questioning and cooperate in the investigation as and when called by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).&nbsp;

The court also issued a notice to the CBI and sought its response on the senior Congress leader's anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for further hearing on July 3, directing that the agency will not arrest him till then.&nbsp;

Chidambaram's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Aircel-Maxis deal of Rs 3,500 crore and INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. It was during his tenure as finance minister in the UPA-1 regime that FIPB clearance was granted to the two ventures in which alleged irregularities have been found.&nbsp;

In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was finance minister.&nbsp;

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter on February 28 for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case. He was granted bail on March 23.&nbsp;

The other accused in the case include then INX Media Director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX News Director Peter Mukerjea.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

Former union minister yesterday secured an interim protection from arrest till July 3 from the Delhi High Court in the same case lodged by the CBI.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported news agency ANI. Former union minister secured an interim protection from arrest till July 3 only yesterday from the Delhi High Court in the same case lodged by the CBI. Justice A K Pathak asked Chidambaram to join questioning and cooperate in the investigation as and when called by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court also issued a notice to the CBI and sought its response on the senior Congress leader's anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for further hearing on July 3, directing that the agency will not arrest him till then. Chidambaram's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Aircel-Maxis deal of Rs 3,500 crore and INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. It was during his tenure as finance minister in the UPA-1 regime that FIPB clearance was granted to the two ventures in which alleged irregularities have been found. In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was finance minister. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter on February 28 for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case. He was granted bail on March 23. The other accused in the case include then INX Media Director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX News Director Peter Mukerjea. (With PTI inputs)

INX Media case: CBI summons Chidambaram for questioning on June 6

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbsp;In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbsp;news agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

&nbsp;

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Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities. In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported news agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

News brief:  Big stories of the day

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has been granted interim protection from arrest by the CBI until July 3 in the INX Media Case. According to reports, Chidambaram's lawyer had approached the CBI seeking more time to appear for CBI's questioning. He also added that Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory bail is pending before the Delhi High Court.

Chidambaram, on Wednesday, filed an anticipatory bail again. He moved the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case shortly after moving an anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day with Delhi's Patiala House Court.

Chidambaram was asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then, no coercive action can be taken against him. The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing.

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P Chidambaram gets interim protection from arrest by CBI till July 3 in the INX Media Case. <a href="https://t.co/wJ1sE9c02h">pic.twitter.com/wJ1sE9c02h</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002055276877438976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Delhi court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5.

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P. Chidambaram's lawyer approached CBI & asked for more time to appear before the CBI for questioning in the INX media case, adding that Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory is pending before Delhi HC. (Photo of Chidambaram's lawyer at CBI HQ in Delhi) <a href="https://t.co/jaPummK4xv">pic.twitter.com/jaPummK4xv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002054545550307329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On February 28, Karti Chidambaram was arrested at the Chennai airport on his return from the UK for his alleged role in facilitating Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for INX Media Ltd and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Karti allegedly took service charges for getting the clearance to INX Media for receiving funds from abroad worth Rs 3.05 billion in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Chidambaram, on Wednesday, filed an anticipatory bail again shortly after moving an anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day in Delhi's Patiala House Court

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has been granted interim protection from arrest by the CBI until July 3 in the INX Media Case. According to reports, Chidambaram's lawyer had approached the CBI seeking more time to appear for CBI's questioning. He also added that Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory bail is pending before the Delhi High Court. Chidambaram, on Wednesday, filed an anticipatory bail again. He moved the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case shortly after moving an anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day with Delhi's Patiala House Court. Chidambaram was asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then, no coercive action can be taken against him. The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing. P Chidambaram gets interim protection from arrest by CBI till July 3 in the INX Media Case. pic.twitter.com/wJ1sE9c02h — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × The Delhi court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5. P. Chidambaram's lawyer approached CBI & asked for more time to appear before the CBI for questioning in the INX media case, adding that Chidambaram's plea for anticipatory is pending before Delhi HC. (Photo of Chidambaram's lawyer at CBI HQ in Delhi) pic.twitter.com/jaPummK4xv — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × On February 28, Karti Chidambaram was arrested at the Chennai airport on his return from the UK for his alleged role in facilitating Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for INX Media Ltd and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea. Karti allegedly took service charges for getting the clearance to INX Media for receiving funds from abroad worth Rs 3.05 billion in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

INX media case: P Chidambaram gets interim protection from arrest until July 3

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then&nbsp;no coercive action can be taken against him.&nbsp;The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing.

The court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5.

Chidambaram moved an anticipatory bail plea in Delhi's Patiala House Court in Aircel-Maxis case. He was represented&nbsp;by Kapil Sibal in the court today.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI in February in connection with the case.

The matter pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd. for investment in Aircel by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.&nbsp;

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Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has moved an anticipatory bail plea in Delhi's Patiala House Court in Aircel-Maxis case. Kapil Sibal to argue for him in the case. <a href="https://t.co/EMO2BpftMx">pic.twitter.com/EMO2BpftMx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001679898044399617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In September 2015, the CBI had filed its status report regarding a probe into the FIPB approvals in the case. The agency had in June 2016 also issued a notice to A Palaniappan, director of Chess Management Services, a company promoted by Karti.

According to reports, Rs 26 lakh was allegedly paid by Aircel Televentures Limited to ASCPL during the FIPB approval. The Advantage Strategic Consultancy Pvt Limited (ASCPL) is allegedly linked to Karti Chidambaram.

The Aircel-Maxis case of alleged money laundering is currently under probe by the ED&nbsp;and the CBI.&nbsp;

In September 2015, the CBI had filed its status report regarding a probe into the FIPB approvals in the case

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then no coercive action can be taken against him. The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing. The court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5. Chidambaram moved an anticipatory bail plea in Delhi's Patiala House Court in Aircel-Maxis case. He was represented by Kapil Sibal in the court today. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI in February in connection with the case. The matter pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd. for investment in Aircel by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has moved an anticipatory bail plea in Delhi's Patiala House Court in Aircel-Maxis case. Kapil Sibal to argue for him in the case. pic.twitter.com/EMO2BpftMx — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × In September 2015, the CBI had filed its status report regarding a probe into the FIPB approvals in the case. The agency had in June 2016 also issued a notice to A Palaniappan, director of Chess Management Services, a company promoted by Karti. According to reports, Rs 26 lakh was allegedly paid by Aircel Televentures Limited to ASCPL during the FIPB approval. The Advantage Strategic Consultancy Pvt Limited (ASCPL) is allegedly linked to Karti Chidambaram. The Aircel-Maxis case of alleged money laundering is currently under probe by the ED and the CBI.

Aircel-Maxis case: Chidambaram gets temporary relief from arrest

According to reports, former Union Minister P Chidambaram filed an anticipatory bail again on Wednesday. Chidambaram moved the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case shortly after moving an anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day in Delhi's Patiala House Court.

Chidambaram was asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then, no coercive action can be taken against him.&nbsp;The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing.

The Delhi court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5.

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P. Chidambaram files anticipatory bail again, this time in Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case <a href="https://t.co/vRzPnBbCyT">pic.twitter.com/vRzPnBbCyT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001727697691684869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI in February in connection with the case.

The matter pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd. for investment in Aircel by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Chidambaram moved the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case

According to reports, former Union Minister P Chidambaram filed an anticipatory bail again on Wednesday. Chidambaram moved the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case shortly after moving an anticipatory bail plea earlier in the day in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Chidambaram was asked to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 5. The Patiala House Court said that until then, no coercive action can be taken against him. The court also gave protection from arrest to P Chidambaram until next hearing. The Delhi court has asked the Enforcement Directorate to come up with a reply on the anticipatory bail plea moved by P Chidambaram by June 5. P. Chidambaram files anticipatory bail again, this time in Delhi High Court in connection with the INX media case pic.twitter.com/vRzPnBbCyT — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI in February in connection with the case. The matter pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd. for investment in Aircel by P Chidambaram during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

INX media case: P Chidambaram files anticipatory bail in Delhi High Court

Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so.

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In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.

"It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter.

More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs.

Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15.

Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.

The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals.

The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.

State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state.

Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up.

In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April.

Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel.

Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore.

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कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है।
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999178344792051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113389388464133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113260703145984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.

Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call.

In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.&nbsp;

'It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol,' the former finance minister said on Twitter. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore

Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so. × In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. "It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter. More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs. Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15. Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals. The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state. Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up. In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April. Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore. कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है। — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call. In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

Government can reduce petrol price by Rs 25 but won't do it: Chidambaram

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad.

Karti, who has been facing probe in various corruption cases, was allowed to go abroad from May 19 to 27 by a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said "he (Karti) shall not open or close any overseas bank account" and not enter into any property transaction abroad.&nbsp

It asked Karti to furnish an undertaking before it, saying he would follow the conditions and apprise it about the flight details and date of arrival back to India.

The court also made it clear that its permission to Karti to travel abroad should not be used in any court of law for grant of statutory and regular bail in any other offence.

The bench told Karti that he would cooperate in investigation and hand over passport to investigation agency, that is the Enforcement Directorate, on return.

Karti, who has been facing probe in various corruption cases, was allowed to go abroad from May 19 to 27 by a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad. Karti, who has been facing probe in various corruption cases, was allowed to go abroad from May 19 to 27 by a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra. The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said "he (Karti) shall not open or close any overseas bank account" and not enter into any property transaction abroad. It asked Karti to furnish an undertaking before it, saying he would follow the conditions and apprise it about the flight details and date of arrival back to India. The court also made it clear that its permission to Karti to travel abroad should not be used in any court of law for grant of statutory and regular bail in any other offence. The bench told Karti that he would cooperate in investigation and hand over passport to investigation agency, that is the Enforcement Directorate, on return.

Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad

Former Union minister P Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram on Friday filed an appeal in the Madras High Court challenging its order dismissing her petition against Enforcement Directorate summons asking her to appear as a witness in its money laundering probe in the Saradha chit fund scam. 
 
When the appeal by Nalini Chidambaram, a senior advocate, against the April 24 order of a single judge bench came up, vacation bench, comprising Justice V Bharathidasan and Justice N Seshasayee, said it would hear the matter tomorrow if time permits. 
 
The matter pertains to the September 7, 2016, summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate directing Nalini Chidambaram to appear in person as a witness in the chit fund scam case over an alleged payment of a legal fee of&nbspRs&nbsp1 crore to her by the Saradha group for her appearances in court and the Company Law Board over a television channel purchase deal. 
 
Challenging the summons, she had moved the high court claiming protection from such appearance under section 160 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), as per which women and children cannot be summoned outside their place of residence for any inquiry. 
 
Justice SM Subramaniam had dismissed her plea, holding that exemptions such as 160 CrPC were not mandatory and subject to facts and circumstances of a case.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>He had also directed the Enforcement Directorate or ED to issue fresh summons, following which the agency had on April 30 issued the summons asking Nalini Chidambaram to appear before it on May 7. 
 
In her appeal, Nalini Chidambaram alleged that it was an extremely dangerous trend whereby a premier investigating agency of the country has virtually unleashed a reign of terror by knowingly and deliberately subverting the process of law for wholly "malafide, extraneous and vexatious" considerations. 
 
"If this trend of summoning and calling advocates who have been engaged by their clients for rendering professional services is not nipped in the bud, it may lead to disastrous consequences," she said. 
 
A designated senior advocate need not file any 'vakalatnama' before any court under the Advocates Act or the Bar Council of India Rules and the appearance would be only on instructions of an advocate on record, Nalini Chidambaram said. 
 
"It is an undisputed position that the information transmitted between a client and a lawyer in the course of that relationship and in confidence is privileged under law," she said, adding that even the professional fee invoices are sacrosanct and privileged. 
 
She further said summoning a senior advocate in connection with the amounts received as professional fees would throw into jeopardy the entire profession of law and subject to risk of acceptance of professional's engagements by counsel to represent parties in such cases. 
 
Submitting that she had acted only under professional capacity, Nalini Chidambaram alleged the reason behind issuing summons was only to create a situation in which she would be forced to withdraw from the proceedings. 
 
She contended that the single judge had erred in classifying different categories of women falling under proviso 160 of CrPc and said his order was nothing but judicial overreach. 
 
The appellant further said the single judge had not referred to a Supreme Court order, cited by her, which clearly held that the provisions of CrPC will apply if there were provisions under the PMLA which are inconsistent with the criminal procedure code. 
 
This was "gross breach" of judicial discipline since under Article 141 of the Constitution, the law declared by the Supreme Court was binding on all courts, she submitted.

Nalini Chidambaram further said the single judge should not have issued directions to the ED to issue fresh summons while deciding the validity of the earlier summons.

The direction in the nature of mandamus was totally misconceived, she claimed and sought to set aside the order.

When the appeal by Nalini Chidambaram, a senior advocate, against the April 24 order of a single judge bench came up, vacation bench, comprising Justice V Bharathidasan and Justice N Seshasayee, said it would hear the matter tomorrow if time permits

Former Union minister P Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram on Friday filed an appeal in the Madras High Court challenging its order dismissing her petition against Enforcement Directorate summons asking her to appear as a witness in its money laundering probe in the Saradha chit fund scam. When the appeal by Nalini Chidambaram, a senior advocate, against the April 24 order of a single judge bench came up, vacation bench, comprising Justice V Bharathidasan and Justice N Seshasayee, said it would hear the matter tomorrow if time permits. The matter pertains to the September 7, 2016, summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate directing Nalini Chidambaram to appear in person as a witness in the chit fund scam case over an alleged payment of a legal fee of&nbspRs&nbsp1 crore to her by the Saradha group for her appearances in court and the Company Law Board over a television channel purchase deal. Challenging the summons, she had moved the high court claiming protection from such appearance under section 160 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), as per which women and children cannot be summoned outside their place of residence for any inquiry. Justice SM Subramaniam had dismissed her plea, holding that exemptions such as 160 CrPC were not mandatory and subject to facts and circumstances of a case. He had also directed the Enforcement Directorate or ED to issue fresh summons, following which the agency had on April 30 issued the summons asking Nalini Chidambaram to appear before it on May 7. In her appeal, Nalini Chidambaram alleged that it was an extremely dangerous trend whereby a premier investigating agency of the country has virtually unleashed a reign of terror by knowingly and deliberately subverting the process of law for wholly "malafide, extraneous and vexatious" considerations. "If this trend of summoning and calling advocates who have been engaged by their clients for rendering professional services is not nipped in the bud, it may lead to disastrous consequences," she said. A designated senior advocate need not file any 'vakalatnama' before any court under the Advocates Act or the Bar Council of India Rules and the appearance would be only on instructions of an advocate on record, Nalini Chidambaram said. "It is an undisputed position that the information transmitted between a client and a lawyer in the course of that relationship and in confidence is privileged under law," she said, adding that even the professional fee invoices are sacrosanct and privileged. She further said summoning a senior advocate in connection with the amounts received as professional fees would throw into jeopardy the entire profession of law and subject to risk of acceptance of professional's engagements by counsel to represent parties in such cases. Submitting that she had acted only under professional capacity, Nalini Chidambaram alleged the reason behind issuing summons was only to create a situation in which she would be forced to withdraw from the proceedings. She contended that the single judge had erred in classifying different categories of women falling under proviso 160 of CrPc and said his order was nothing but judicial overreach. The appellant further said the single judge had not referred to a Supreme Court order, cited by her, which clearly held that the provisions of CrPC will apply if there were provisions under the PMLA which are inconsistent with the criminal procedure code. This was "gross breach" of judicial discipline since under Article 141 of the Constitution, the law declared by the Supreme Court was binding on all courts, she submitted. Nalini Chidambaram further said the single judge should not have issued directions to the ED to issue fresh summons while deciding the validity of the earlier summons. The direction in the nature of mandamus was totally misconceived, she claimed and sought to set aside the order.

Nalini Chidambaram files appeal against order dismissing her petition

Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar opposed his party's decision of moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and said that the move could have been avoided.

He added that if he would have been a Member of Parliament and had been given the paper to sign, he would not have done it.

Kumar's expressed his objection to the impeachment motion while refusing to pass any comment on the circumstances that led to it, namely the dismissal of the PIL seeking a special investigation into the death of judge of Judge BH Loya.

"I would not like to get into the merits of the controversy, I am on a larger principle and the larger principle is that impeachment is the extreme remedy and that to against the chief justice, which is an unprecedented move," Kumar said.

On Friday, the opposition parties led by Congress moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of CJI Misra under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution of India. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the House.

As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity."

(With inputs from Agencies)

There are other senior Congressmen, like former PM Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram and Salman Khurshid who have not signed the petition.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar opposed his party's decision of moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and said that the move could have been avoided. He added that if he would have been a Member of Parliament and had been given the paper to sign, he would not have done it. Kumar's expressed his objection to the impeachment motion while refusing to pass any comment on the circumstances that led to it, namely the dismissal of the PIL seeking a special investigation into the death of judge of Judge BH Loya. "I would not like to get into the merits of the controversy, I am on a larger principle and the larger principle is that impeachment is the extreme remedy and that to against the chief justice, which is an unprecedented move," Kumar said. On Friday, the opposition parties led by Congress moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of CJI Misra under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution of India. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the House. As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity." (With inputs from Agencies)

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar opposes his own party for moving impeachment motion against CJI

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said the available information about the Indian Railways' operating ratio, the direct indicator of working of the national transporter, has indicated a "comprehensive failure" of its management.

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram asked what was the operating ratio of the Railways in 2017-18 and would it be the worst ratio in recent years.

"Is it correct that the true operating ratio has exceeded 100 per cent.&nbspIs it correct that the accounts are being 'dressed' to show an Operating Ratio just a little less than 100 per cent," he wrote on Twitter.

The former Finance and Home? Minister said if the operating ratio is close to 100 per cent or has exceeded 100 per cent, that indicates a "comprehensive failure" of management of the Indian Railways.

As per the reports, the Railways operating ratio, the direct indicator of working of the government-run transporter, could settle at 98.5 per cent for 2017-2018, recording its worst performance ever since 2000-2001 when it was 98.3 per cent.

The number reflected the increased burden of allowances and pensions that have gone up because of the revision in the 7th Pay Commission, an official said.

An operating ratio of about 98.5 per cent in fiscal 2017-18 would mean a dip of more than two per cent in the revised 96 per cent figure announced in the February budget.&nbsp

The operating ratio indicates how much railway spends to earn a rupee.

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram asked what was the operating ratio of the Railways in 2017-18 and would it be the worst ratio in recent years

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said the available information about the Indian Railways' operating ratio, the direct indicator of working of the national transporter, has indicated a "comprehensive failure" of its management. In a series of tweets, Chidambaram asked what was the operating ratio of the Railways in 2017-18 and would it be the worst ratio in recent years. "Is it correct that the true operating ratio has exceeded 100 per cent.&nbspIs it correct that the accounts are being 'dressed' to show an Operating Ratio just a little less than 100 per cent," he wrote on Twitter. The former Finance and Home? Minister said if the operating ratio is close to 100 per cent or has exceeded 100 per cent, that indicates a "comprehensive failure" of management of the Indian Railways. As per the reports, the Railways operating ratio, the direct indicator of working of the government-run transporter, could settle at 98.5 per cent for 2017-2018, recording its worst performance ever since 2000-2001 when it was 98.3 per cent. The number reflected the increased burden of allowances and pensions that have gone up because of the revision in the 7th Pay Commission, an official said. An operating ratio of about 98.5 per cent in fiscal 2017-18 would mean a dip of more than two per cent in the revised 96 per cent figure announced in the February budget. The operating ratio indicates how much railway spends to earn a rupee.

Railways operating ratio indicates failure of its management: Chidambaram

As petrol prices shot to a new high, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-rises-to-55-month-high-diesel-costliest-ever-131582">petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan</a> said it was due to the situation in Syria and US threat of imposing sanctions on Iran.

Petrol prices touched 74.08 per litre in Delhi on Friday at a 5-year high. It rose similarly in other metros - Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

In Kolkata oil prices rose to Rs 76.78 a litre, Mumbai it was Rs 81.93 and in Chennai it surged&nbsp;to Rs 76.85 a litre.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram attacked the central government in a series of tweets saying it was due to 'tax the consumer' policy of the government.

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BJP boasts that it is ruling 22 States. 
Then, why does the BJP government refuse to bring petroleum and petroleum products under GST?
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/987153561678036992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader said: "For the last four years, the BJP government has lived off an oil bonanza. Minus the oil bonanza, the BJP government is clueless and floundering."

"Crude oil price at $ 74 per barrel is still lower than $ 105 four years ago. So, why are petrol/diesel prices higher today than they were in May 2014," he asked in his tweet.

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For the last four years, the BJP government has lived off an oil bonanza. Minus the oil bonanza, the BJP government is clueless and floundering .
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/987153423828004864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Then, why does the BJP government refuse to bring petroleum and petroleum products under GST?"

Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said earlier that the GST Council should in the "interest of energy security and consumers" include petroleum products in GST.

Petrol, diesel, natural gas, crude oil and jet fuel (ATF) are currently not included in the GST.

Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said earlier that the GST Council should in the "interest of energy security and consumers" include petroleum products in GST.

As petrol prices shot to a new high, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said it was due to the situation in Syria and US threat of imposing sanctions on Iran. Petrol prices touched 74.08 per litre in Delhi on Friday at a 5-year high. It rose similarly in other metros - Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. In Kolkata oil prices rose to Rs 76.78 a litre, Mumbai it was Rs 81.93 and in Chennai it surged to Rs 76.85 a litre. Former finance minister P Chidambaram attacked the central government in a series of tweets saying it was due to 'tax the consumer' policy of the government. BJP boasts that it is ruling 22 States. Then, why does the BJP government refuse to bring petroleum and petroleum products under GST? — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 20, 2018 × The Congress leader said: "For the last four years, the BJP government has lived off an oil bonanza. Minus the oil bonanza, the BJP government is clueless and floundering." "Crude oil price at $ 74 per barrel is still lower than $ 105 four years ago. So, why are petrol/diesel prices higher today than they were in May 2014," he asked in his tweet. For the last four years, the BJP government has lived off an oil bonanza. Minus the oil bonanza, the BJP government is clueless and floundering . — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 20, 2018 × "Then, why does the BJP government refuse to bring petroleum and petroleum products under GST?" Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said earlier that the GST Council should in the "interest of energy security and consumers" include petroleum products in GST. Petrol, diesel, natural gas, crude oil and jet fuel (ATF) are currently not included in the GST.

High oil prices due to situation in Syria & US sanctions threat on Iran: Petroleum minister

Former finance minister P Chidambaram today said the "ghost" of demonetisation has come back to haunt the government and alleged that the Rs 2,000 notes were printed only to help hoarders.

In the wake of a cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks.

"The ghost of demonetisation has come back to haunt the Govt/RBI. Why are ATMs still being re-calibrated even 17 months after demonetisation?

"After demonetising 500 and 1000 rupee notes, Govt printed Rs 2000 notes! Now, Govt is complaining that Rs 2000 notes are being hoarded!! We always knew that Rs 2000 notes were printed only to help hoarders," he said in a series of tweets.

Dismissing the statement of the Reserve Bank of India that there was no shortage of currency in the system as "unsatisfactory", the senior Congress leader said if the RBI has printed and supplied sufficient cash, it must explain why there is a cash shortage.

"I also suspect that RBI seriously miscalculated demand for cash in the post-harvest season. Is it correct that currency in circulation has increased by only 2.75 percent since demonetisation? If so, I maintain that Govt/RBI are not allowing money supply to grow at the same rate as the nominal GDP," he said.

Chidambaram said he suspected ordinary people were withdrawing cash but not putting back into the banks their surplus cash.

"It is possible that there is some loss of confidence in the banking system, thanks to the bank scams," he said.

He said he supported the digitisation, but the government cannot force the pace of digitisation or arbitrarily reduce the supply of cash.

According to officials, cash position across the country is improving fast with over 80 percent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today.

Unusual spurt in demand for currency had led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and poll-bound Karnataka and some other states yesterday even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage.

In the wake of cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram today said the "ghost" of demonetisation has come back to haunt the government and alleged that the Rs 2,000 notes were printed only to help hoarders. In the wake of a cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks. "The ghost of demonetisation has come back to haunt the Govt/RBI. Why are ATMs still being re-calibrated even 17 months after demonetisation? "After demonetising 500 and 1000 rupee notes, Govt printed Rs 2000 notes! Now, Govt is complaining that Rs 2000 notes are being hoarded!! We always knew that Rs 2000 notes were printed only to help hoarders," he said in a series of tweets. Dismissing the statement of the Reserve Bank of India that there was no shortage of currency in the system as "unsatisfactory", the senior Congress leader said if the RBI has printed and supplied sufficient cash, it must explain why there is a cash shortage. "I also suspect that RBI seriously miscalculated demand for cash in the post-harvest season. Is it correct that currency in circulation has increased by only 2.75 percent since demonetisation? If so, I maintain that Govt/RBI are not allowing money supply to grow at the same rate as the nominal GDP," he said. Chidambaram said he suspected ordinary people were withdrawing cash but not putting back into the banks their surplus cash. "It is possible that there is some loss of confidence in the banking system, thanks to the bank scams," he said. He said he supported the digitisation, but the government cannot force the pace of digitisation or arbitrarily reduce the supply of cash. According to officials, cash position across the country is improving fast with over 80 percent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today. Unusual spurt in demand for currency had led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and poll-bound Karnataka and some other states yesterday even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage.

'Ghost' of demonetisation has returned to haunt government: P Chidambaram

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-a-dig-at-pm-modi-over-jeweller-scam-33920" target="_blank">hit out at Prime Minister Modi </a>in connection to the Rs 11,400 crore PNB Scam by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

Chidambaram said, &quot;It&#39;s all happening in one sector-Jewelry. Key players seem to have come from one state-Gujarat. It&#39;s not happening across sectors and states. Obviously, people have been helped at some level. Who or how helped, I have no evidence&quot;.

&nbsp;PNB has accused Nirav Modi of defrauding the bank of over Rs 11,000 crores since 2011 with the help of bank officials who are under arrest now.

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It&#39;s all happening in one sector-Jewelry. Key players seem to have come from one state-Gujarat. It&#39;s not happening across sectors &amp; states. Obviously, people have been helped at some level. Who or how helped, I have no evidence: P Chidambaram in Bengaluru on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNBScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNBScam</a> <a href="https://t.co/1OKLK7sEdi">pic.twitter.com/1OKLK7sEdi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972802354486628352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/photographs-of-pm-modi-with-nirav-modi-prove-nothing-amit-shah-33510" target="_blank">Photographs of PM Modi with Nirav Modi prove nothing: Amit Shah</a>

Taking a jibe at the &quot;pakora&quot; comment made by PM Modi Chidambaram said the government was living in denial.&nbsp;

He said &quot;We should begin to ask hard questions. Unless more and more people ask questions to the present govt it will continue to live in denial. They know there is a dearth of jobs. They deem selling &#39;pakoras&#39; as jobs. That is like adding salt to wounds&quot;.

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In Gujarat they asked some hard questions. I think the next opportunity to ask questions is coming in Karnataka: P Chidambaram in Bengaluru <a href="https://t.co/yrEekmvXod">pic.twitter.com/yrEekmvXod</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972797925217722368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Chidambaram said, 'It's all happening in one sector-Jewelry. Key players seem to have come from one state-Gujarat. It's not happening across sectors and states. Obviously, people have been helped at some level. Who or how helped, I have no evidence'

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Modi in connection to the Rs 11,400 crore PNB Scam by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. Chidambaram said, "It's all happening in one sector-Jewelry. Key players seem to have come from one state-Gujarat. It's not happening across sectors and states. Obviously, people have been helped at some level. Who or how helped, I have no evidence". PNB has accused Nirav Modi of defrauding the bank of over Rs 11,000 crores since 2011 with the help of bank officials who are under arrest now. It's all happening in one sector-Jewelry. Key players seem to have come from one state-Gujarat. It's not happening across sectors & states. Obviously, people have been helped at some level. Who or how helped, I have no evidence: P Chidambaram in Bengaluru on #NiravModi & #PNBScam pic.twitter.com/1OKLK7sEdi — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2018 × Also read: Photographs of PM Modi with Nirav Modi prove nothing: Amit Shah Taking a jibe at the "pakora" comment made by PM Modi Chidambaram said the government was living in denial. He said "We should begin to ask hard questions. Unless more and more people ask questions to the present govt it will continue to live in denial. They know there is a dearth of jobs. They deem selling 'pakoras' as jobs. That is like adding salt to wounds". In Gujarat they asked some hard questions. I think the next opportunity to ask questions is coming in Karnataka: P Chidambaram in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/yrEekmvXod — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2018 ×

'It's all happening in one sector, from one state': Chidamabarm on Nirav Modi-PNB scam

After Delhi&nbsp;Court extended his&nbsp;Central Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;(CBI) custody, Karti Chidambaram filed a caveat in Supreme Court on Saturday.

In the caveat, Karti appealed to the court not to give any order without hearing him if Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenges Delhi court&#39;s interim order in the case on Friday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INXMediaCase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INXMediaCase</a>: Karti Chidambaram files caveat in Supreme Court, appeals to SC to not give any order without hearing him if Enforcement Directorate challenges yesterday&#39;s interim order in the case. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/kgKCa9IjdC">pic.twitter.com/kgKCa9IjdC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972363952955981824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A Delhi court extended CBI&nbsp;custody of Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, by three days in the INX Media corruption case.

Karti&#39;s custody has now been extended till March 12.

The Patiala House Court also allowed the CBI application seeking permission to confront Karti Chidambaram with his chartered accountant Bhaskaraman in Tihar jail.

The court will now hear Karti&#39;s bail plea on March 15 in the CBI&#39;s case against him.&nbsp;The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Karti until March 20 in the event of an arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ) in the INX Media money laundering case on Friday.&nbsp;The court granted the relief till next date of hearing which is March 20.&nbsp;

Karti Chidambaram&#39;s lawyer also said that they have rejected CBI&#39;s&nbsp;request for conducting&nbsp;a polygraph test on Karti.

He said &quot;There cannot be a compulsion with regard to this test. We have given a written rejection saying that we are not accepting the polygraph test&quot;.

The CBI has alleged that Karti Chidambaram got kickbacks in return for foreign investment clearance for INX Media when his father was the finance minister.

Bhaskararaman was arrested from a five-star hotel in Delhi&nbsp;on February 16.

The ED claimed that Bhaskararaman, a qualified CA, had been assisting Karti in managing his &quot;ill-gotten wealth&quot; in India and abroad.

Karti appealed to court to not give any order without hearing him if ED challenges Delhi court's interim order on Friday

After Delhi Court extended his Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody, Karti Chidambaram filed a caveat in Supreme Court on Saturday. In the caveat, Karti appealed to the court not to give any order without hearing him if Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenges Delhi court's interim order in the case on Friday. #INXMediaCase: Karti Chidambaram files caveat in Supreme Court, appeals to SC to not give any order without hearing him if Enforcement Directorate challenges yesterday's interim order in the case. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/kgKCa9IjdC — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × A Delhi court extended CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, by three days in the INX Media corruption case. Karti's custody has now been extended till March 12. The Patiala House Court also allowed the CBI application seeking permission to confront Karti Chidambaram with his chartered accountant Bhaskaraman in Tihar jail. The court will now hear Karti's bail plea on March 15 in the CBI's case against him. The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Karti until March 20 in the event of an arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ) in the INX Media money laundering case on Friday. The court granted the relief till next date of hearing which is March 20. Karti Chidambaram's lawyer also said that they have rejected CBI's request for conducting a polygraph test on Karti. He said "There cannot be a compulsion with regard to this test. We have given a written rejection saying that we are not accepting the polygraph test". The CBI has alleged that Karti Chidambaram got kickbacks in return for foreign investment clearance for INX Media when his father was the finance minister. Bhaskararaman was arrested from a five-star hotel in Delhi on February 16. The ED claimed that Bhaskararaman, a qualified CA, had been assisting Karti in managing his "ill-gotten wealth" in India and abroad.

INX media case: Karti Chidambaram files caveat in Supreme Court

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Chidambaram responds to PM Modi, lists out Presidents outside Nehru-Gandhi family

Crop insurance scheme designed to profit insurance companies: Chidambaram

What is govt's 'tearing hurry' to 'fix' RBI capital framework: Chidambaram

News brief: Big stories of the day

Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram

Madras HC quashes I-T Dept's criminal prosecution against Chidambaram's family

Aircel Maxis case: Interim protection of Chidambaram extended till November 26

Aircel Maxis case: P Chidambaram among 9 named in ED's charge sheet

INX media case: ED attaches Karti Chidambaram’s assets worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK, Spain

Why is NDA government buying so few Rafale fighter jets, asks P Chidambaram

NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a 'monster': P Chidambaram

Aircel-Maxis case: ED to file charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram tomorrow

News brief: Big stories of the day

INX Media case: CBI grills Chidambaram for close to 4 hours, he says 'little to add'

P Chidambaram at CBI headquarters for questioning in INX media case

ED issues notice summoning Chidambaram for questioning: Sources

INX Media case: CBI summons Chidambaram for questioning on June 6

News brief: Big stories of the day

News brief: Big stories of the day

INX media case: P Chidambaram gets interim protection from arrest until July 3

Aircel-Maxis case: Chidambaram gets temporary relief from arrest

INX media case: P Chidambaram files anticipatory bail in Delhi High Court

Government can reduce petrol price by Rs 25 but won't do it: Chidambaram

Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad

Nalini Chidambaram files appeal against order dismissing her petition

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar opposes his own party for moving impeachment motion against CJI