RaGa in Lok Sabha: Entire country is questioning PM Modi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi took on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and raised the issue of Rafale deal. Starting his speech by referring to Modi's first interview of 2019 to ANI, RaGa said the former quipped no one is questioning him regarding the deal. "But this is untrue, the entire country is raising fingers at him," said RaGa.
RaGa raises questions on Rafale
RaGa asked why was the deal, which was inked by the UPA for 126 jets, changed and the Modi government signed a new one for 36 jets. He alleged even Manohar Parrikar, who was the Defense Minister then, didn't know anything about the new deal. He also asked why HAL was removed as a partner, despite its stupendous record of manufacturing equipment.
The questions raised in Lower House
Modi is hiding, evading questions, claims RaGa
RaGa said PM Modi is hiding in his room, he further added Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also evading questions. He claimed France President Emmanuel Macron told him about discrepancies in the deal. When RaGa sought permission to play a purported explosive recording related to the deal, he was not allowed. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said he should authenticate the words first.
RaGa couldn't authenticate recording, Lok Sabha adjourned
When RaGa decided against playing the audio, BJP lashed out at him. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said he is not revealing the contents, as the allegations were false. "He is lying," said Jaitley. After an uproar, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2:30 PM.
Anil Ambani's connection to Rafale mentioned in Parliament
RaGa went on to attack Anil Ambani, whose Reliance Defense is an offset partner of the multi-crore deal, by saying he was bankrupt but the company signed the deal. When Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said he isn't a member of the house and RaGa should refrain from using his name, he said he would stick to 'Double A'. He alleged by making him a member in the deal, the NDA government snatched employment from youth.
Supreme Court didn't say anything about JPC: RaGa
About Supreme Court order on the matter, RaGa said the apex court noted the deal was beyond its jurisdiction but didn't say that there shouldn't be a Joint Parliamentary Committee. "We demand a JPC probe in this matter and I would urge BJP leaders to not get terrified," said RaGa. He said the truth must come out soon.
