Virbhadra claims backing of Sonia, Rahul

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday claimed that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi were "fully behind" him in his fight against corruption slurs. The BJP has alleged that Singh's government had shown favours to Sai-Kothi power project as the promoter had given a loan to him and his wife Pratibha Singh, who is an MP.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday claimed that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi were "fully behind" him in his fight against corruption slurs. The BJP has alleged that Singh's government had shown favours to Sai-Kothi power project as the promoter had given a loan to him and his wife Pratibha Singh, who is an MP.

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Refuting the allegations, Singh said the loan amount had been shown in his income-tax returns and asked, "Has anyone ever taken a bribe through cheque?"

He also argued that the loan was taken in 2011 when he was not even the Congress state unit chief, let alone being the chief minister.

"My party leaders are fully behind me and that is why I am still the CM," Singh said.

He pointed out that the BJP government had given the company three extensions between April 2011 and March 2013.