Enough evidence to file case against Modi for Rafale deal corruption: Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi alleged the "trail of corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal "begins and ends with" Modi.
MUMBAI (Dunya News) – Congress President Rahul Gandhi has claimed there is now enough evidence to prosecute Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Rafale deal.
Gandhi alleged that the "trail of corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal "begins and ends with" Modi, therefore, an FIR should be lodged against him.
While referring to the statement of Attorney General in Supreme Court that the secret Rafale file was stolen from defence ministry, Congress leader said, "That crucial Rafale files incriminating him are now reported “stolen” by the Govt, is destruction of evidence and an obvious coverup."
The reaction came day after Attorney General KK Venugopal told the top court that the secret Rafale documents pertaining to the purchase of the jets have been stolen from the defence ministry.
“These documents were stolen from the Defence Ministry either by former or present employees. These are secret documents and can’t be in the public domain," he said.
India to induct Rafale jetes in September
India will induct French-made Rafale combat jet in September, the chief of the Indian air force B.S. Dhanoa said on Monday.
India has ordered 36 planes from Dassault Aviation as part of a modernization program of the air force which is phasing out its Soviet-era planes.
Few days back, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while admitting defeat from Pakistan whineed over the shortage of Rafale jets, swanking that they would have achieved much more if the country had the possession of that aircraft.
“The country has felt the shortage of Rafale. Today, India is speaking in one voice and saying what all could have happened if we had Rafale. Ego politics over the Rafale deal has harmed the nation,” the Indian prime minister boasted while addressing the India Today Conclave 2019 in the national capital.
Critics had accused Modi of using the 2016 multi-billion dollar accord between India and French aircraft manufacturer Dassault for Rafale aircraft to favour a key billionaire backer.
Dassault initially won the contract to supply 126 jets to India in 2012, with 18 to be built in France and the rest in India in collaboration with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
However, during a visit to France in 2015 Modi scrapped the deal, signed under the previous government led by the Congress party, and ordered instead 36 jets — all to be built in France — for an estimated $9.4 billion.
