Karnal: Defence Minister George Fernendes on September 25, accused the Congress of "demoralising" the armed forces by raising "irrelevant" issues like the coffin deal during the Kargil conflict.

"While soldiers were sacrificing their lives in Kargil, Congress was saying that Pakistan had an upper hand demoralising our soldiers. Such a tendency is still being maintained by them," he said addressing a large gathering here to mark the 90th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister late Devi Lal.

Fernandes said he had challenged Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Parliament to prove that there was corruption in the purchase of coffins.

"I had earlier stated that I would quit as Defence Minister if charges are proved against me," he said.

Lauding the contribution of soldiers of Haryana in the armed forces, Fenandes said compared to any other state, a large number of soldiers hailing from the state had sacrificed their lives to safeguard the unity and integrity of the nation.

He paid rich tributes to Devi Lal and described him as a "messiah of the farmers".

Union Fertilisers and Chemicals Minister S S Dhindsa said Devi Lal was the only person who had sacrificed the post of Prime Minister. "He strived hard to improve the lot of the farming community."

Paying rich tributes to Devi Lal, Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami said he would also strive to make Haryana a fast developing state with people's co-operation.

PTI