Calling its diplomatic cables "generally accurate", former US ambassador to India David Mulford on Thursday refused to comment on the latest WikiLeaks claim of MPs being bribed ahead of the crucial 2008 trust vote in Parliament.
"My memory about the fact is, at the time of the vote of confidence, a Member of Parliament (MP) turned out with a suitcase of money and dumped it on the table. That was clear theatrics... I simply have nothing to say on that," said Mulford.
During an interview on CNN-IBN, Mulford was questioned about alleged diplomatic cable sent by deputy chief of mission Steven White, claiming that the Congress government had kept aside Rs 50-60 crore to bribe MPs during the trust vote.
"I have nothing to say on this particular subject. I have already made a comment that the only thing I remember about money was the MP presenting the briefcase full of money," Mulford said.
Asked about 2006 cabinet reshuffle and the related WikiLeaks report that Mulford in one of the cables had called Murli Deora as pro-US and Mani Shankar Iyer as contentious and outspoken, he said, "It was my job to come to a conclusion as important as that."
"It was obvious to me then and remains obvious to me now. During that period US-India strategic relationship were growing and strengthening and was a high priority for both of us. Development of this kind were favorable to that continued development. Thus, I was making that point," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"It was obvious to me then and remains obvious to me now. During that period US-India strategic relationship were growing and strengthening and was a high priority for both of us. Development of this kind were favorable to that continued development. Thus, I was making that point," he said.
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Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.