Rafale deal to benefit a businessmen; Rahul

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale fighter aircraft agreement and asked the media why it did not question him for allegedly changing the “entire deal” to benefit a businessman. He made this allegation while interacting with reporters after meeting of the newly formed All India Unorganised Workers Congress (AIUWC).

Gandhi scion also asked why no questions were posed to the PM on Amit Shah’s son Jay, whose company the Congress has alleged has witnessed a quantum jump in turnover since the Modi government came to power.

“I answer all your queries, whatever you ask me.  Why don’t you question PM on the Rafale deal, on Amit Shah’s son. Why don’t you question the prime minister who changed the entire Rafale deal to help a businessman?” he asked.

Earlier, the Congress alleged the government of compromising national interest and security while promoting crony capitalism and it caused a loss to the public exchequer.

Rejecting the allegation BJP claimed that it was intended to divert attention as the party bigwigs faced the prospect of being questioned in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scandal.

The Congress’ spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the government neglected the interests of public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of Rafale aircraft, refused to transfer technology to it and instead entered into an agreement with Reliance Defence.

He further alleged that the aircraft was purchased at much higher rates than what was decided after the completion of the tender process during the UPA regime.