Was Rafale-deal stopped for Michel Mama: PM Modi asks Congress
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an attack on Congress and Gandhi family by mentioning Christian Michel, the middleman of AgustaWestland, and asked if the Rafale deal got delayed because of him.
Addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Solapur, PM Modi replied to the allegations of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and said the family should come clean.
His statements came after an explosive media report.
Context
Backstory: Apparently, Michel was planning for another deal
India Today reported that a strategy paper was seized from Guido Haschke, another Agusta middleman.
The paper revealed that Michel and Haschke were working on a plan to promote Rafale's prime competitor Eurofighter before India. But India signed the deal with Dassault Aviation for 36 jets.
Notably, after Congress MPs flew paper planes in parliament, Arun Jaitley said, "I think these planes are being flown in the memory of Eurofighters."
Questions
BJP asked Congress questions after revelations
After the report, the ruling BJP didn't hold any punches and attacked Congress. And PM Modi did the same.
He said, "Was the deal stopped then because of Michel mama's 'saudebaazi' (deals)." Notably, the deal of 126 jets signed by UPA didn't materialize and the Congress has repeatedly quizzed why the number of jets was brought down.
But after the report, tables turned.
Quote
"What is Congress relationship with Michel Mama?"
"Michel mama was lobbying for some other company. Congress leaders who are making noise now should explain to everyone - what is their relationship with Michel mama? Shouldn't they given an answer? Shouldn't the chowkidar ask them about it," PM Modi said.
Promises
This chowkidar won't sleep or get scared: PM Modi
Without taking names, PM Modi went on to say all the friends of 'commission takers' are trying to scare the chowkidar.
"But they are going to be disappointed because this chowkidar doesn't sleep or feel scared," he said. PM Modi added they could abuse him but this clean-up mission will continue.
He said the chowkidar had the blessings of the people.