Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change.

The small village, home to about 200 families, falls in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund constituency which votes on April 18.

"People of other villages make fun of us, saying we will be subjected to investigation if the Congress comes to power. We even went to the chief minister's office with a request to change the name of our village but could not meet him," 83-year-old Dharam Singh, the eldest in the village, said over phone.

"The name only attracts negative ire because of the Rafale controversy but no one cares about our village. Outside the state, not many people know about the village," he said.

The village, according to Singh, lacks basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Farming is dependent on rain as there are no irrigation facilities.

"Politicians have adopted so many villages across the country but no one even visits our village. Two weeks ago, a few BJP workers came but they were also ground level people. Whoever wins the elections and comes to power, our request will be to change the name," he said.

Singh has no idea why the village is called Rafel and what it means.

"I don't know but this has been the name for decades, even before Chhattisgarh was formed in 2000. I don't know the logic behind the name," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandulal Sahu is the sitting member of Parliament from Mahasamund and is contesting again from the constituency. He is up against Congress' Dhanendra Sahu and Bahujan Samaj Party's Dhansing Kosariya.

The Congress and other opposition parties have been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government on the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, alleging that the price of each aircraft was sharply hiked and the contract will benefit industrialist Anil Ambani. I

The government and Ambani have denied the allegations.

Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change.

Rafale is the French jet at the centre of controversy and 'Rafel' the name of their village. It's an unfortunate coincidence that makes them the butt of jokes and attracts negative attention, say residents of the Chhattisgarh hamlet who desperately want a name change. The small village, home to about 200 families, falls in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund constituency which votes on April 18. "People of other villages make fun of us, saying we will be subjected to investigation if the Congress comes to power. We even went to the chief minister's office with a request to change the name of our village but could not meet him," 83-year-old Dharam Singh, the eldest in the village, said over phone. "The name only attracts negative ire because of the Rafale controversy but no one cares about our village. Outside the state, not many people know about the village," he said. The village, according to Singh, lacks basic facilities such as water and sanitation. Farming is dependent on rain as there are no irrigation facilities. "Politicians have adopted so many villages across the country but no one even visits our village. Two weeks ago, a few BJP workers came but they were also ground level people. Whoever wins the elections and comes to power, our request will be to change the name," he said. Singh has no idea why the village is called Rafel and what it means. "I don't know but this has been the name for decades, even before Chhattisgarh was formed in 2000. I don't know the logic behind the name," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandulal Sahu is the sitting member of Parliament from Mahasamund and is contesting again from the constituency. He is up against Congress' Dhanendra Sahu and Bahujan Samaj Party's Dhansing Kosariya. The Congress and other opposition parties have been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government on the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, alleging that the price of each aircraft was sharply hiked and the contract will benefit industrialist Anil Ambani. I The government and Ambani have denied the allegations.

French jet is poll issue in 'Rafel' village, but not for political reasons

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has not been able to dig up any scam. No evidence of any kickbacks has been brought in the public domain by the Congress chief, though he persistently and quite unabashedly keeps abusing the PM. The CAG, the Supreme Court, and the French government have pronounced that there was no wrongdoing and that the deal is in India’s benefit.

The deal is worth only Rs 58,000 crore. But, Rahul keeps saying that due to the PM, Anil Ambani benefitted to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore, which is absurd on the face of it. The Congress has to answer why it delayed the deal for 10 years when the Air Force was in dire need of medium combat aircraft since 2004. Modi did a great service to the nation by reducing the number of aircraft from 126 to 36 as it would have become obsolete by the time the entire 126 would be delivered. By reducing the number to just two squadrons Modi saved a large amount of foreign exchange. If the idea was to make shady deals as Rahul Gandhi had alleged, then, the government would have gone ahead with a larger order package.

For about a year, Rahul was making unsubstantiated allegations. The Rafale deal is a project of the UPA. Between 2012 and 2014, there was a 100 per cent escalation in its price. Then, in the new deal, the government has asked for technology upgradation, additional features and transfer of technology. If the Modi government wanted, it could have scrapped the deal and gone for a new global tender. Rafale was selected in January 2012 when Dr Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister. Reliance came into the picture the same year, under UPA. In February 2012, Reliance Industries and France’s Dassault Aviation signed a pact for partnering in the defence and homeland security sector in India. The accord came less than two weeks after Dassault’s Rafale warplanes emerged as the preferred bidder in a $15 billion-contest to supply India with 126 fighter jets.

The partnership provided Dassault with a substantial opportunity to fulfil its offset obligations under the contract. Dassault wanted RIL to be the main partner. Under the offset clause, a foreign supplier must award contracts worth a chunk of the deal value to Indian companies in return.

The opposition’s furore over Rafale seems to be an attempt to starve the Indian Air Force of combat aircrafts of international standards. A demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee will put the entire procurement and ‘Make in India’ programme in cold storage for years. As for Reliance not having past experience, it was again the French company which found it useful.

If having Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries on board was okay in February 2012, then how does getting Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence in the deal become cronyism and scam in 2016? Is it only because it happened under Modi? About the price, Rahul Gandhi is quoting the price of 2008 in 2018. Can he get even a razor for the same price today as it was in 2008? In a joint venture, the partner has to invest money and Rafale will only be transferring technology. How can Reliance make money here? Rather, they have to put in money. The French government has said that choosing the Indian partner was the job of Dassault Aviation. The French company has said they chose the Indian partner. How can Rahul blame Modi for this? He is either being vicious or ill-informed or has, as usual, got only half-baked information.

Each time Rahul was providing different figures as the Reliance’s gain and the prices at which the deal was signed by the UPA and the NDA. In the first place, the UPA never signed any deal with Dassault (Aviation). It was only negotiating, and different prices were quoted. The price finally agreed by the UPA was Rs 737 crore per aircraft, and with additional fittings and capabilities the price agreed was Rs 2,000 crore per piece. The deal was, however, never signed. The deal signed by the NDA is for Rs 670 crore per aircraft, and with additional capacity it comes to Rs 1,600 crore per aircraft. The NDA has ordered for 36 aircraft whereas UPA was planning to buy 126.

The Indian Air Force in 2001 projected a desperate need for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and the process of selecting the same concluded in 2007 under the UPA. The two aircraft shortlisted were Rafale and Eurofighter, which was number two. When the Modi government came to power, Eurofighter was hopeful of getting the deal as it felt the one selected by the UPA could be replaced. They lobbied hard with support from the British government.

The UPA had selected a middleman, who was to get a 10 per cent cut. The deal finally was not signed also perhaps because of this. Although the IAF was desperate, then Defence Minister AK Antony refused to sign any paper. Then, it was said that the UPA had no money; it was decided to postpone the purchase until the next government assumed power. The NDA has entered into a government-to-government deal, so there is neither any middleman nor commission agent.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-rafale-and-rahul-s-fiction-2722971">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has not been able to dig up any scam. No evidence of any kickbacks has been brought in the public domain by the Congress chief, though he persistently and quite unabashedly keeps abusing the PM. The CAG, the Supreme Court, and the French government have pronounced that there was no wrongdoing and that the deal is in India’s benefit. The deal is worth only Rs 58,000 crore. But, Rahul keeps saying that due to the PM, Anil Ambani benefitted to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore, which is absurd on the face of it. The Congress has to answer why it delayed the deal for 10 years when the Air Force was in dire need of medium combat aircraft since 2004. Modi did a great service to the nation by reducing the number of aircraft from 126 to 36 as it would have become obsolete by the time the entire 126 would be delivered. By reducing the number to just two squadrons Modi saved a large amount of foreign exchange. If the idea was to make shady deals as Rahul Gandhi had alleged, then, the government would have gone ahead with a larger order package. For about a year, Rahul was making unsubstantiated allegations. The Rafale deal is a project of the UPA. Between 2012 and 2014, there was a 100 per cent escalation in its price. Then, in the new deal, the government has asked for technology upgradation, additional features and transfer of technology. If the Modi government wanted, it could have scrapped the deal and gone for a new global tender. Rafale was selected in January 2012 when Dr Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister. Reliance came into the picture the same year, under UPA. In February 2012, Reliance Industries and France’s Dassault Aviation signed a pact for partnering in the defence and homeland security sector in India. The accord came less than two weeks after Dassault’s Rafale warplanes emerged as the preferred bidder in a $15 billion-contest to supply India with 126 fighter jets. The partnership provided Dassault with a substantial opportunity to fulfil its offset obligations under the contract. Dassault wanted RIL to be the main partner. Under the offset clause, a foreign supplier must award contracts worth a chunk of the deal value to Indian companies in return. The opposition’s furore over Rafale seems to be an attempt to starve the Indian Air Force of combat aircrafts of international standards. A demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee will put the entire procurement and ‘Make in India’ programme in cold storage for years. As for Reliance not having past experience, it was again the French company which found it useful. If having Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries on board was okay in February 2012, then how does getting Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence in the deal become cronyism and scam in 2016? Is it only because it happened under Modi? About the price, Rahul Gandhi is quoting the price of 2008 in 2018. Can he get even a razor for the same price today as it was in 2008? In a joint venture, the partner has to invest money and Rafale will only be transferring technology. How can Reliance make money here? Rather, they have to put in money. The French government has said that choosing the Indian partner was the job of Dassault Aviation. The French company has said they chose the Indian partner. How can Rahul blame Modi for this? He is either being vicious or ill-informed or has, as usual, got only half-baked information. Each time Rahul was providing different figures as the Reliance’s gain and the prices at which the deal was signed by the UPA and the NDA. In the first place, the UPA never signed any deal with Dassault (Aviation). It was only negotiating, and different prices were quoted. The price finally agreed by the UPA was Rs 737 crore per aircraft, and with additional fittings and capabilities the price agreed was Rs 2,000 crore per piece. The deal was, however, never signed. The deal signed by the NDA is for Rs 670 crore per aircraft, and with additional capacity it comes to Rs 1,600 crore per aircraft. The NDA has ordered for 36 aircraft whereas UPA was planning to buy 126. The Indian Air Force in 2001 projected a desperate need for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and the process of selecting the same concluded in 2007 under the UPA. The two aircraft shortlisted were Rafale and Eurofighter, which was number two. When the Modi government came to power, Eurofighter was hopeful of getting the deal as it felt the one selected by the UPA could be replaced. They lobbied hard with support from the British government. The UPA had selected a middleman, who was to get a 10 per cent cut. The deal finally was not signed also perhaps because of this. Although the IAF was desperate, then Defence Minister AK Antony refused to sign any paper. Then, it was said that the UPA had no money; it was decided to postpone the purchase until the next government assumed power. The NDA has entered into a government-to-government deal, so there is neither any middleman nor commission agent. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Rahul Gandhi’s fiction: Congress trying to keep Rafael a major poll plank

The Editors Guild of India on Thursday said it believes journalists should claim no immunity from healthy and civilised criticism, but at the same time their labelling has emerged as a "favourite tactic" on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them.

"We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news-traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists," the Guild said in a statement.

It said it has "noted with concern" the words used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his criticism of the journalist who interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.

The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members. Some of the members were opposed to the issuance of such a statement maintaining that Gandhi's remarks did not tantamount to attack on freedom of expression or a threat.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "The Grandson of the 'Emergency dictator' displays his real DNA -- attacks and intimidates an independent Editor."

"Why are the pseudo-liberals silent? Waiting for the Editors guild's response," he said.

The Guild statement also talked about "reprehensible strategy to throttle media freedoms" through ploys such as boycotts, denial of access and lately government accreditation.

"This must be reversed. Journalists, we believe, will continue to deal with these with their usual thick skins and not let these tactics intimidate them. The Guild, as an apex, non-partisan institution, however, takes strong exception to this tendency and calls for its halt," it said.

The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members.

The Editors Guild of India on Thursday said it believes journalists should claim no immunity from healthy and civilised criticism, but at the same time their labelling has emerged as a "favourite tactic" on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them. "We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news-traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists," the Guild said in a statement. It said it has "noted with concern" the words used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his criticism of the journalist who interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week. The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members. Some of the members were opposed to the issuance of such a statement maintaining that Gandhi's remarks did not tantamount to attack on freedom of expression or a threat. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "The Grandson of the 'Emergency dictator' displays his real DNA -- attacks and intimidates an independent Editor." "Why are the pseudo-liberals silent? Waiting for the Editors guild's response," he said. The Guild statement also talked about "reprehensible strategy to throttle media freedoms" through ploys such as boycotts, denial of access and lately government accreditation. "This must be reversed. Journalists, we believe, will continue to deal with these with their usual thick skins and not let these tactics intimidate them. The Guild, as an apex, non-partisan institution, however, takes strong exception to this tendency and calls for its halt," it said.

Labelling of journalists has emerged as 'favourite tactic': Editors Guild

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-does-not-have-guts-to-come-to-parliament-to-confront-questions-on-rafale-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-187882">defended the government's move</a> to buy Rafale&nbsp;fighter jets declaring that the country's "national security" was the government's top priority.

"You stopped the deal, forgetting the Air Force was suffering because it didn't suit you. The deal didn't get you money,"&nbsp;a defiant Sitharaman told the Congress in Lok Sabha.

"Delivery of first Rafale&nbsp;will happen in 2019, the last aircraft of 36 jets will be delivered in 2022," India's defence minister informed the lower house of Parliament, while adding that "none of the figher aircraft were available "off the shelf".

"Our government got the jets for a lower price," the defence minister told the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;"CAG is conducting a performance audit of capital acquisition of air systems including the 36 Rafale. The complete draft audit report has been received by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Ministry of Defence in December. Response is under preparation," the minister added.

Sitharaman attacked the Congress saying it did not intend to buy the aircraft till something else was done. The defence minister attacked the Congress president Rahul Gandhi declaring that he lied about meeting French president Macron about the deal.

"There is something different between defence deal and deal in defence. We deal with national security as a priority," Nirmala Sitharaman said.

"Congress is shedding crocodile tears over HAL not getting the deal, why didn't it settle issues during its term," she asked.&nbsp;

The defence minister said there was no deal being struck between Dassault and HAL. Sitharaman said one Congress leader even called the Air chief a "liar". The defence minister accused the Congress of dragging its feet on the jet deal.

"Congress does not want to hear facts," she said.&nbsp;

"Have you (Rahul Gandhi) apologised after having winked an eye at the PM, after hugging the PM? This is not the way a House should run," Sitharaman lashed out, adding, "I don't have a khandan(pedigree) to boast on. PM also comes from a poor background. He has come here from hard work. I have my honour intact. PM has his honour intact. We have all come from normal backgrounds."

Replying to Sitharaman, Rahul Gandhi said: "Price is not part of the secrecy pact. My question is Anil Ambani was brought in for the contract. Who was the one to decide on Anil Ambani?"

The Congress president conceded that he had made a mistake by calling French President Macron as an ex-president. "I make mistakes. Yes, he is the current president, Mr&nbsp;Macron," Rahul Gandhi said.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government's move to buy Rafale fighter jets declaring that the country's "national security" was the government's top priority.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government's move to buy Rafale fighter jets declaring that the country's "national security" was the government's top priority. "You stopped the deal, forgetting the Air Force was suffering because it didn't suit you. The deal didn't get you money," a defiant Sitharaman told the Congress in Lok Sabha. "Delivery of first Rafale will happen in 2019, the last aircraft of 36 jets will be delivered in 2022," India's defence minister informed the lower house of Parliament, while adding that "none of the figher aircraft were available "off the shelf". "Our government got the jets for a lower price," the defence minister told the Lok Sabha. "CAG is conducting a performance audit of capital acquisition of air systems including the 36 Rafale. The complete draft audit report has been received by the Ministry of Defence in December. Response is under preparation," the minister added. Sitharaman attacked the Congress saying it did not intend to buy the aircraft till something else was done. The defence minister attacked the Congress president Rahul Gandhi declaring that he lied about meeting French president Macron about the deal. "There is something different between defence deal and deal in defence. We deal with national security as a priority," Nirmala Sitharaman said. "Congress is shedding crocodile tears over HAL not getting the deal, why didn't it settle issues during its term," she asked. The defence minister said there was no deal being struck between Dassault and HAL. Sitharaman said one Congress leader even called the Air chief a "liar". The defence minister accused the Congress of dragging its feet on the jet deal. "Congress does not want to hear facts," she said. "Have you (Rahul Gandhi) apologised after having winked an eye at the PM, after hugging the PM? This is not the way a House should run," Sitharaman lashed out, adding, "I don't have a khandan(pedigree) to boast on. PM also comes from a poor background. He has come here from hard work. I have my honour intact. PM has his honour intact. We have all come from normal backgrounds." Replying to Sitharaman, Rahul Gandhi said: "Price is not part of the secrecy pact. My question is Anil Ambani was brought in for the contract. Who was the one to decide on Anil Ambani?" The Congress president conceded that he had made a mistake by calling French President Macron as an ex-president. "I make mistakes. Yes, he is the current president, Mr Macron," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rafale deal was done with national security as a priority, says Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament

Amidst the controversy surrounding the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal</a>, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-topple-govt-if-ram-temple-construction-is-opposed-subramanian-swamy-182345">Subramanian Swamy</a> said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide. 
 
Reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma's statement that Center had deliberately misled the apex court, Swamy told ANI: "Sharma is no one to say anything on the Government's intentions. It is for the Supreme Court to decide or to say that you misled us or your error was mala fide in Rafale affidavit. At first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should order a probe to see who drafted it whether it was a bureaucrat or our politician." 
 
Swamy's remarks came after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report. 
 
Further speaking on the Opposition alliance ahead of the general elections, Swamy said, "A coalition with ideological differences won't be able to stay for long and it will soon start falling apart." 
 
Praising his party, Swamy asserted: "After Vajpayee's rule UPA again came to power as his 'India shining' campaign was not enough to win the election. We also need a glue of 'Hindutva' to form the government at the Centre again and make our party workers work." 
 
Taking a jibe at Congress over their continuous attack on surgical strikes Swamy said, "What can you expect from Congress, they have developed a habit of questioning everything patriotic about this country. They even question surgical strike and sacrifices of our jawans." 
 
Sharpening his attack on the Congress leaders, especially Sidhu, who already received criticism for attending Prime Minister Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in Pakistan and for embracing Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Swamy said, "Congress leaders like Navjot Singh is creating an impression that he is an anti-national as he cares more for our enemies than our own people," he said.

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Subramanian Swamy said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide.

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Subramanian Swamy said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide. Reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma's statement that Center had deliberately misled the apex court, Swamy told ANI: "Sharma is no one to say anything on the Government's intentions. It is for the Supreme Court to decide or to say that you misled us or your error was mala fide in Rafale affidavit. At first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should order a probe to see who drafted it whether it was a bureaucrat or our politician." Swamy's remarks came after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report. Further speaking on the Opposition alliance ahead of the general elections, Swamy said, "A coalition with ideological differences won't be able to stay for long and it will soon start falling apart." Praising his party, Swamy asserted: "After Vajpayee's rule UPA again came to power as his 'India shining' campaign was not enough to win the election. We also need a glue of 'Hindutva' to form the government at the Centre again and make our party workers work." Taking a jibe at Congress over their continuous attack on surgical strikes Swamy said, "What can you expect from Congress, they have developed a habit of questioning everything patriotic about this country. They even question surgical strike and sacrifices of our jawans." Sharpening his attack on the Congress leaders, especially Sidhu, who already received criticism for attending Prime Minister Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in Pakistan and for embracing Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Swamy said, "Congress leaders like Navjot Singh is creating an impression that he is an anti-national as he cares more for our enemies than our own people," he said.

Let SC say if Centre misled judiciary on Rafale: Subramanian Swamy

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Rafale deal</a> asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different. 
 
Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal." 
 
He also claimed that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">verdict of the top court</a> was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.' 
 
Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court. 
 
"Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote. 
 
The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country. 
 
Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." 
 
The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different.

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different. Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal." He also claimed that the verdict of the top court was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.' Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court. "Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote. The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country. Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.

Can't stop Parliament from examining Rafale, says P Chidambaram

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Rafale jet deal</a> and Cauvery issues, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/potests-over-rafale-cauvery-both-houses-adjourned-for-day-183475">leading to adjournment</a> of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments.

In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House within minutes of assembling as Members of Tamil Nadu parties DMK and AIADMK&nbsp;stormed into the well and Congress and treasury benches raised slogans.

The leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he has given a notice for taking up of a discussion over the government allegedly misguiding the Supreme Court over the purchase of Rafale jets from France.

He was countered by slogan-shouting from members of treasury benches who demanded an apology from the Congress after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal.

AIADMK and DMK members were in the well seeking a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice since it met in the morning, before being adjourned for the day.

The treasury and the opposition benches sparred over the Rafale jet deal issue with both sides raising slogans against each other.

While the AIADMK raised issues related to the construction of a dam over the Cauvery river, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sought special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Congress members raised the issue of government's stand in the Supreme Court over the Rafale deal and accused it of misleading the top court.

BJP members, who were on their feet, raised slogans such as "Rahul Gandhi apologise" to counter the Congress offensive.

Monday was the fifth sitting of the Winter session.

While on Tuesday last, the two Houses were adjourned for the day after obituary references to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Cabinet Minister Ananth Kumar and other sitting members, little business was transacted in the two Houses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which makes the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence, was introduced in Lok Sabha after it met in the noon on Monday.

It seeks to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Amid slogan shouting, Congress' Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of the bill, terming it as unconstitutional.

When the House met again after a second adjournment, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill was moved for passage.

Amid din, five members participated in the debate questioning the provisions of the legislation.

The 27 amendments moved by the government, along with some others moved by opposition members, were considered amid noisy scenes.

The bill was later passed and the House adjourned for the day. &nbsp;

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the Rafale jet deal and Cauvery issues, leading to adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments.

Parliament proceedings were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day Monday over the Rafale jet deal and Cauvery issues, leading to adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day soon after it met, and Lok Sabha after passing a bill on transgender rights amid adjournments. In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House within minutes of assembling as Members of Tamil Nadu parties DMK and AIADMK stormed into the well and Congress and treasury benches raised slogans. The leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he has given a notice for taking up of a discussion over the government allegedly misguiding the Supreme Court over the purchase of Rafale jets from France. He was countered by slogan-shouting from members of treasury benches who demanded an apology from the Congress after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal. AIADMK and DMK members were in the well seeking a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice since it met in the morning, before being adjourned for the day. The treasury and the opposition benches sparred over the Rafale jet deal issue with both sides raising slogans against each other. While the AIADMK raised issues related to the construction of a dam over the Cauvery river, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sought special status for Andhra Pradesh. Congress members raised the issue of government's stand in the Supreme Court over the Rafale deal and accused it of misleading the top court. BJP members, who were on their feet, raised slogans such as "Rahul Gandhi apologise" to counter the Congress offensive. Monday was the fifth sitting of the Winter session. While on Tuesday last, the two Houses were adjourned for the day after obituary references to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Cabinet Minister Ananth Kumar and other sitting members, little business was transacted in the two Houses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which makes the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence, was introduced in Lok Sabha after it met in the noon on Monday. It seeks to replace an ordinance issued in September. Amid slogan shouting, Congress' Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of the bill, terming it as unconstitutional. When the House met again after a second adjournment, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill was moved for passage. Amid din, five members participated in the debate questioning the provisions of the legislation. The 27 amendments moved by the government, along with some others moved by opposition members, were considered amid noisy scenes. The bill was later passed and the House adjourned for the day.

Lok Sabha adjourns after passing Transgender bill

Hours after a&nbsp;three-judge Supreme Court bench said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required</a>,&nbsp;Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley addressed a rare joint press conference on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sitharaman said that on all three counts over which concerns were raised, the Supreme Court had today come out with a clear verdict. The matter has been thoroughly through the court and&nbsp;laid to rest, she said.

The Court clearly said "no evidence of commercial favouritism," Sitharaman added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Falsehood has a very short life. In this case, it was a few months. Falsehood lowers the credibility of its creator. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/BBG1F9JBUo">pic.twitter.com/BBG1F9JBUo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073531352048394241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jaitley&nbsp;stated that the Supreme Court has clearly deemed the purchase of the aircraft as "very important" to the country's defence and added&nbsp;"disrupters have lost."

Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Opposition stating that "Congress' fictional writing compromised national security."
<img alt="Rafale deal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0aa6f86-b3cd-485a-92e1-a33a7bc5e843" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/RAFALE%20DEAL%20CREATIVE%20%281%29.jpg" />
He added that the deal "protected both security and commercial interest of India."

"Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft and weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 and 2012," the Finance Minister noted.&nbsp;

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FM: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> protected both security&amp;commercial interest of India. Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft&amp;weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 &amp; 2012. <a href="https://t.co/ARWkNnsb1m">pic.twitter.com/ARWkNnsb1m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073533171910762496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures," Jaitley said.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/fIyD1d13g4">pic.twitter.com/fIyD1d13g4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073535476634714114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing details of the deal.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

"We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircraft&nbsp;and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal."&nbsp;

The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added.&nbsp;

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley addressed a rare joint press conference on Friday. Sitharaman said that on all three counts over which concerns were raised, the Supreme Court had today come out with a clear verdict. The matter has been thoroughly through the court and laid to rest, she said. The Court clearly said "no evidence of commercial favouritism," Sitharaman added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Falsehood has a very short life. In this case, it was a few months. Falsehood lowers the credibility of its creator. #RafaleDeal pic.twitter.com/BBG1F9JBUo — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Jaitley stated that the Supreme Court has clearly deemed the purchase of the aircraft as "very important" to the country's defence and added "disrupters have lost." Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Opposition stating that "Congress' fictional writing compromised national security." He added that the deal "protected both security and commercial interest of India." "Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft and weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 and 2012," the Finance Minister noted. FM: #RafaleDeal protected both security&commercial interest of India. Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft&weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 & 2012. pic.twitter.com/ARWkNnsb1m — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures," Jaitley said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures. #RafaleDeal pic.twitter.com/fIyD1d13g4 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing details of the deal. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. "We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircraft and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal." The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal. "Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added.

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal

The Supreme Court on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal</a>. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

"The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning". "The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

Matter was crystal clear from the beginning: Rajnath Singh on Rafale deal verdict

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.&nbsp;

"We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP.

Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani.

Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory".

"We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said.

"And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said.

"It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said.

In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets.

"Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying.

"In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying.

He said what is called "offset"&nbsp;in English is usually translated into French as "compensation"&nbsp;or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset"&nbsp;or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said.

Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.

But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;

Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer.&nbsp;

"Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dassault on Wednesday said it had "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">freely chosen</a>" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed.

Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties.

Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said. "We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP. Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani. Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector. On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory". "We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said. "And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said. "It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said. In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets. "Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying. "In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying. He said what is called "offset" in English is usually translated into French as "compensation" or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset" or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said. Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer. "Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying. Dassault on Wednesday said it had "freely chosen" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed. Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties. Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Reliance has 10 per cent of offset in Rafael deal: Dassault CEO

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