The Congress on Thursday accused the Modi government of forcing alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper scandal, Christian Michael, to frame UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge. It also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using investigative agencies to carry out a smear campaign against opposition leaders.

"Never before in the history of India has a Prime Minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against opposition leaders to seek revenge," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a statement. "Stunning revelations have blown the lid off the concerted conspiracy, blind vendetta and web of lies weaved by the 'Master of Deception' Narendra Modi against the Congress leadership in Agusta Westland Case," he added.