Bhopal: Mounting a scathing attack on Congress leaders for raking up the alleged Coffingate scam, Defence Minister George Fernandes on September 29 threatened to slam defamation and treason charge against them if they do not stop the "dirty game".

"Not only defamation suit but also treason charge will be slammed against the Congress in a court of law ... I will not wait for eternity if Congress does not stop the dirty game of propagating false accusations," he told reporters.

Apparently referring to Congress president Sonia Gandhi without naming her, Fernandes charged her with propagating the "biggest ever lie" in the world about the alleged Coffingate scam.

Refuting the allegation of underhand dealing in the purchase of caskets, the Defence Minister said the canard being spread by Congress is having a demoralising effect on the Defence personnel.

Asked about possibility of sending Indian Army to Iraq, he replied in the negative.

Fernandes accused Opposition parties of trying to play with serious Defence matters.

PTI