Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has accused prime minister Narendra Modi of hiding behind a woman (defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to escape from a debate on Rafale deal in the Parliament.
Rahul was speaking in a farmers rally held at Vidhaydhar Nagar Stadium to thank farmers for their support to the Congress which helped the party make a come back in the state.
“Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke for hours in the Parliament but could not defend Rafale deal or Modi. Modi asked a woman (defence minister) to defend him as he was not capable in doing so. Modi who boasted of his 56-inch chest, did not come to Parliament, could not show his face nor could speak for a single minute on the deal. He ran away to Punjab University instead to attend a programme,” said Rahul while making a scathing attack on Modi.
Rahul asserted that the Congress would continue to press for demand for an inquiry into the Rafale deal and formation of JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) to look into it. “ We won’t disrespect PM. But if Modi has given Rs 30,000 crores to Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal, justice will not be denied. There will be no pressure, no witch-hunting,” said Rahul while reiterating that French President had stated that Rafale deal was taken away from HAL and given to Anil Ambani on Modi’s recommendation. “On what basis the contract to HAL was cancelled? Chowkidaar chor hai (watchman is thief). Rafale deal should be probed by JPC. He gave money to Anil Ambani. How much money did you give to youths and farmers and small businesses,” Rahul said, while questioning to Modi. While referring to Supreme Court decision to reinstate CBI director Alok Verma Rahul called it a victory of Congress. “Modi government removed CBI director late night at 1.30 pm. And we brought him back. There should be an inquiry into Rafale deal,” he said.
