Sahay says BJP distorting facts in chopper scam

Ranchi: Former union minister and Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay on Thursday defended Sonia Gandhi in the AgustaWestland chopper case.
"The BJP party thrives on spreading lies. It has trained people to distort reality and present lies as truth. The allegations levelled by the BJP leaders are completely baseless," Sahay said at a press conference at Congress headquarters.
Sahay, who served as minister of tourism and minister of food processing, said, "The Congress cancelled the deal with AgustaWestland (in 2014)," he said.
This apart, Sahay has planned a series of protests, which will likely be held next week, against the state government's decision to "dramatically hike holding taxes for residents in Ranchi municipal corporation area". "The government aims to collect a large sum from people without giving providing proper infrastructure or utility services," said Sahay.
Congress leader Rajesh Gupta said residents who had earlier paid Rs 700 as holding tax are now required to pay Rs 1,600. "Commercial property owners will be the worst-affected by the government's decision as the highest hike has been imposed on commercial properties," Gupta said. The state government has sent notices to residents in the state capital, asking them to pay the new tax amount or face a penalty.
Sahay also highlighted the water crisis in the state. "As MP, I distributed water tanks in all localities and ensured new water tankers were pressed into service for better water supply," Sahay said.
Sahay urged residents to oppose the hike in holding tax. "The Congress will mobilize people to launch a protest against the tax," he said, urging women to extend support as well.