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India's Congress Party rejects inquiry into arms bribery scandal

India's opposition Congress party has rejected a judicial investigation ordered by the government into an arms bribery scandal and called on the ruling coalition to step down.

Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy told reporters after party president Sonia Gandhi chaired a strategy meeting, that the offer of a judicial probe was a calculated exercise in diversionary tactics.

South Asia correspondent, Jonathan Harley reports.

In a national televised address, Prime Minister Atel Behari Vajpayee described the allegations that senior government and defence figures had accepted money to assist prospective arms equipment deals as a wake up call to the country. "The government shall do everything necessary to bring everyone guilty to account, whether high or low ." Mr Vajpayee said his only concern was keeping India's defence forces strong and maintaining national security.

17/03/01 17:51:23 | ABC Radio Australia News

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