May 4 (Agencies): UPA government reduced the flying requirement of the VVIP choppers from a height of 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres, alleged BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday.

Taking part in a Rajya Sabha debate on the chopper controversy, Swamy said the height was reduced to let AgustaWestland in as its choppers could not fly beyond 4500 metres.

Choppers, which carry VVIPs, should fly at heights above 6000 metres to be out of range of shoulder rockets, said Swamy.

Rajya Sabha began a debate on alleged kickbacks given in the purchase of AgustaWestland VVIP helicopters on Wednesday.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opposition Congress and other key parties are taking part in the debate.

Leading Congress’ defence, Abhishek Manu Singhvi dismissed the charges of corruption levelled by BJP against Congress as baseless.

He read the judgment of the Italian court, which said there was no evidence against Sonia Gandhi except for mentioning her as a person who would fly in these machines.

He was supported by JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav, who told BJP not to make false accusations. There were more important issues affecting the nation, which should be discussed in the House, he said. BSP leader Mayawati called for Supreme Court monitored probe into AgustaWestland case.