After engaging in a war of words with the BJP over the price of the Rafale fighter jets inside the Parliament. The Congress accused the Modi government of “deceiving” the country and promoting crony capitalism in awarding a private entity the contract for the multi-billion Rafale aircraft deal, while robbing public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of the deal.
On Monday, the Congress decided to take the debate to the streets. Mumbai Congress Unit, under the leadership of Sanjay Nirupam, held a massive public protest on streets calling out the Prime Minister on the controversial Rafale deal.
Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam lead the protest march on Rafale Scam from Fashion street to Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Speaking to Media while Protesting he said,
“In 2012 UPA Government Had Fixed Deal At Rs 526cr. We Were Going To Get 36 Rafale Jets For Rs 18940cr. However PM Modi Renegotiated Deal Under Which Each Jet Will Cost Rs 1670cr. Moreover, India Is Not Getting Any Technology Transfer.”
Questioning BJP Government he further said, “Why was the contract not awarded to HAL ? Why is the government not sharing the cost break up (even in broad categories) with the Parliament ? And How did the price of the aircraft roughly tripled over a few years.”
On the other side, BJP dismissed the Congress’ fresh attack on the Modi government over the Rafale deal, saying it is repeating same claims in frustration after its allegations were “proved” wrong by Union ministers and also the French government.
