Rajya Sabha today witnessed an unprecedented uproar over the revelations of bribery in the Agusta Westland helicopter deal during the UPA regime.

Congress members trooped into the well in protest. They disrupted the proceedings of the House, which witnessed two brief adjournments in the pre-lunch session. They had taken objection to Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a nominated member, taking the name of the UPA President in connection with the helicopter deal.

Immediately, the entire Congress block rushed into the well condemning the member, when he said a key Italian middleman had given a statement to a court in Milan, Italy, disclosing the names of Indian bribe-takers in the deal. When the House met after its first adjournment, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien ordered the expunction of Dr. Swamy’s remarks.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley denied Congress’ allegation saying the central government offered Italy the freedom of two marines in exchange for evidence linking Congress.

Congress,cornered by BJP on the issue,held a high level meeting at 10 Janpath. All the top leaders including Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Leader in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge attended the meeting.

Speaking to media after the meeting. Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that party is ready to discuss AgustaWestland issue in Parliament.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will make a statement on the Agusta Westland scam in the Parliament.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi today, Mr. Parrikar said, he will speak about the issue explaining all apprehensions.

The Minister challenged Congress to show the order of blacklisting the company. He indicated that Augusta Westland was never blacklisted. Mr. Parrikar said, his Ministry is now examining the Italian court order.