Bengaluru: The Congress demanded a probe by an incumbent judge of the Supreme Court into the Centre’s decision to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and disclosing all matters, including cost, involved in the deal.
Speaking with media persons here, All-India Congress Committee ( AICC) spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that Modi and his government looted the nation’s exchequer of Rs. 41,200 crore by signing an agreement with France’s firm for Euro 7.5 billion. Saying the Modi government indulged in operation cover-up, the Congress leader said only a probe by a SC judge would reveal what’s behind the deal.
Besides denying investment of Rs. 36,000 crore to the Bengaluru-based HAL, the deal with Dassault Aviation was done with complete absence of transparency. Each Rafale fighter jet costs Rs. 1,670 crore. The UPA signed the pact with the firm for supplying an aircraft for Rs. 526 crore, he claimed.
Both Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have been telling lies on the deal and refrained from divulging details and this itself raises questions on the intent and motive of the Modi government, he said.