Heated debate takes place in Rajya Sabha on VVIP chopper deal: Top quotes

New Delhi: The controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal on Wednesday triggered a stormy debate and trading of charges in the Rajya Sabha with the entire Opposition pressing for a Supreme Court-monitored probe while Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke of an "invisible hand" in preventing an investigation in UPA tenure.

Following are top 8 quotes:

"Act now, take strong action but don't threaten, don't blackmail" - AK Antony.

"It appears an invisible hand was guiding action or inaction of CBI and ED" - Manohar Parrikar.

"Inquiry will focus on roles of those named in the judgement of Italian court. Government will leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice those involved in the scam" - Manohar Parrikar.

"The interest appears to be to keep the pot boiling, not to reach a conclusion and keep finger pointing" - Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

"It is a lie to say that NDA had lowered the flying height from 6,000 feet to 4,500 feet" - Subramaniam Swamy.

"When a discussion is raised, the minister should respond to members. He is not responding to us. He is reading Akbar-Birbal story. This is just mockery of rules. What is he doing?" - Anand Sharma on Parrikar reading from prepared speech.

"I have no objection to the written statement. I have problem with the lengthy statement" - Sharad Yadav.

"I cannot ask minister how to reply. The minister can always prepare the speech and read it. If the minister wants to reply to each point, he can do" - Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien.