Congress demands probe into business interests of Piyush Goyal's family

The Congress on Tuesday demanded the immediate sacking of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, alleging that his family has business interests in companies that are in default.

It demanded a judicial investigation by a sitting Supreme Court judge to see if there was conflict of interest.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said at a press conference that while PM Narendra Modi talks of probity, he is silent on Goyal's family investments, which "have not been made public" by him despite holding a public position. He alleged that Goyal's wife owned a company that started with Rs 1 lakh capital and has made profits to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore in 10 years, which was akin to the "Jay Shah model" of investment where the company's turnover grew multiple times during the Modi Government.

"The truth is that position of Piyush Goyal stands compromised leaving it untenable for him to continue as a Union Cabinet Minister. He should be forthwith sacked and a judicial investigation be ordered through a sitting Supreme Court Judge," he told reporters..

The Congress leader alleged that layers of common corporate ownership, unprecedented rise in profits and earnings and similar pattern of other companies owned by another business family, now referred to NCLT for disputes resolution/haircut of loans as also commonality of interest with Piyush Goyal and family are being revealed.

Khera also gave details of web of 11 companies, including Shirdi Industries, in which Goyal and his wife" have been directors and have business interests" and demanded a thorough probe to look into the allegations. In a statement issued by the BJP last week after similar allegations were levelled against him with regard to Shirdi industries, Goyal had asserted that there has been "absolutely no wrongdoing or irregularity" on his part.