The Rafale fighter jet deal has once again sparked major political controversy in India, as the Congress party has accused the Modi government of massive corruption amounting to ₹41,000 crore. Senior Congress leaders have launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the matter.
Congress Slams Modi Government Over Rafale Scam
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that the Rafale deal between the Indian government and the French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation a “pre-planned conspiracy” designed to hide large-scale corruption. He emphasized the need for a fair and neutral probe, demanding either a Supreme Court-monitored investigation or a parliamentary committee inquiry.
₹41,000 Crore Corruption in Rafale Deal, Claims Sanjay Nirupam
Adding to the allegations, senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed that the Rafale agreement involved corruption worth nearly ₹41,000 crore. He criticized the government for not disclosing the actual cost of the Rafale jets, a move which he said has only intensified public suspicion.
“Till date, the government has not revealed the true cost of the Rafale aircraft. This secrecy raises serious questions about transparency,” Nirupam stated during a press conference.
Background of the Rafale Deal
The Rafale deal signed in 2016 between India and France. Under the agreement, India agreed to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. However, since its inception, the deal has mired in controversy due to alleged discrepancies in pricing and lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Congress Demands Supreme Court or Parliamentary Inquiry
The Congress party has reiterated its long-standing demand for a full-scale investigation into the Rafale deal. Party leaders calling for the inquiry to be conducted either under the supervision of the Supreme Court or by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), to ensure impartiality and accountability.
Conclusion
As the 2024 general elections approach, the re-emergence of the Rafale corruption allegations has once again brought the spotlight on the Modi government’s defense procurement policies. With Congress pushing hard for answers and accountability, the Rafale deal controversy expected to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
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