The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-question-of-fir-registration-or-cbi-probe-into-rafale-deal-centre-to-supreme-court-221786">Rafale</a> Project management team office last Sunday.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

"A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI.

They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday.

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. "A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI. They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

IAF team to visit France to probe possible data theft during Rafale office break-in

The Supreme Court Monday said it was "little perplexed" over the separate listing, contrary to its order, of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rafale-deal-supreme-court-to-hear-review-petition-contempt-plea-against-rahul-gandhi-on-may-10-216412"> pleas seeking review of its verdict in Rafale case </a>and the contempt plea against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the apex court his "chokidar chor hai" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A special bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it had made it clear earlier that both the matters would be heard together but despite that, the contempt petition was not listed for hearing along with the review pleas on Monday.

The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, was told that the contempt petition against Gandhi was listed for hearing on May 10.

"We are little perplexed that the two cases are listed on two different dates when the order was that these matters will be heard together," the bench observed.

"This is the problem. There was order for listing both the matters together. We had dictated the order in an open court but it says one case on May 6 and other on May 10. How can this be done?," it said.

After a brief hearing, the bench ordered that the review pleas and contempt petition against Gandhi be listed together for hearing on May 10.

"The present matters and contempt petition (criminal)... Be listed together on May 10 at 2.00 PM," the bench said.

"We make it clear that the hearing scheduled for May 10 would be taken up and parties shall make an endeavour to complete the same on the said date. Rejoinder to the replies of Union of India may be filed, in the meantime," the bench said in its order.

At the outset, advocate Prashant Bhushan, who is one of the petitioners in the case along with former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, told the bench that there were three pleas before the court.

Bhushan said besides the review plea, there were two other applications -- one seeking perjury action against unknown government servants for allegedly misleading the court during the Rafale case hearing earlier and the other for production of certain documents.

Bhushan said he would argue on the review plea and application for production of certain documents&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;and the court should allow Shourie to argue on the perjury application.

"Where is the connected matter of contempt?," the bench asked.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioner lawyers, Vineet Dhandha, referred to the apex court's April 30 order and said the contempt petition was listed for hearing on May 10.

"We had said that both the matters will be listed together," the bench said.

When Bhushan said the court should hear his arguments on the review plea for an hour, the CJI said, "My brother (Justice Kaul) has to take up miscellaneous matters in his court".

After the court dictated the order, Bhushan said that the Centre has not filed reply on the perjury application.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said no notice was issued to the government on the perjury application.

To this, the bench told Venugopal, "Did we issue any notice to the application for production of documents? But, you have filed your reply to this application".

Bhushan also told the court that he would file rejoinder to the Centre's affidavit which was filed last week.

Gandhi had made the contemptuous remark, "chowkidar chor hai", against Modi, which the apex court had said was wrongly attributed to it.

The top court had on April 30 given another opportunity to Gandhi for filing one more affidavit for his remark.

Though Gandhi, through his counsel, admitted that he made a mistake by wrongly attributing the remark to the Supreme Court, it observed that in the affidavit filed earlier, at one point the Congress President admitted the mistake and at one point denied making contemptuous remarks.

In its December 14, 2018 verdict, the apex court had said there was no occasion to doubt decision-making process in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all the petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal.

The top court had said there was no substantial evidence of commercial favouritism to any private entity.&nbsp;

Later, in a setback to the Centre, the apex court had on April 10 allowed the plea relying on leaked documents for seeking review of its Rafale verdict and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them.

The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

A deal to procure the jets was signed between India and France in 2015. The delivery is expected to begin in September this year.

The Supreme Court Monday said it was "little perplexed" over the separate listing, contrary to its order, of the pleas seeking review of its verdict in Rafale case and the contempt plea against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the apex court his "chokidar chor hai" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Supreme Court Monday said it was "little perplexed" over the separate listing, contrary to its order, of the pleas seeking review of its verdict in Rafale case and the contempt plea against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the apex court his "chokidar chor hai" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A special bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it had made it clear earlier that both the matters would be heard together but despite that, the contempt petition was not listed for hearing along with the review pleas on Monday. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, was told that the contempt petition against Gandhi was listed for hearing on May 10. "We are little perplexed that the two cases are listed on two different dates when the order was that these matters will be heard together," the bench observed. "This is the problem. There was order for listing both the matters together. We had dictated the order in an open court but it says one case on May 6 and other on May 10. How can this be done?," it said. After a brief hearing, the bench ordered that the review pleas and contempt petition against Gandhi be listed together for hearing on May 10. "The present matters and contempt petition (criminal)... Be listed together on May 10 at 2.00 PM," the bench said. "We make it clear that the hearing scheduled for May 10 would be taken up and parties shall make an endeavour to complete the same on the said date. Rejoinder to the replies of Union of India may be filed, in the meantime," the bench said in its order. At the outset, advocate Prashant Bhushan, who is one of the petitioners in the case along with former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, told the bench that there were three pleas before the court. Bhushan said besides the review plea, there were two other applications -- one seeking perjury action against unknown government servants for allegedly misleading the court during the Rafale case hearing earlier and the other for production of certain documents. Bhushan said he would argue on the review plea and application for production of certain documents and the court should allow Shourie to argue on the perjury application. "Where is the connected matter of contempt?," the bench asked. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioner lawyers, Vineet Dhandha, referred to the apex court's April 30 order and said the contempt petition was listed for hearing on May 10. "We had said that both the matters will be listed together," the bench said. When Bhushan said the court should hear his arguments on the review plea for an hour, the CJI said, "My brother (Justice Kaul) has to take up miscellaneous matters in his court". After the court dictated the order, Bhushan said that the Centre has not filed reply on the perjury application. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said no notice was issued to the government on the perjury application. To this, the bench told Venugopal, "Did we issue any notice to the application for production of documents? But, you have filed your reply to this application". Bhushan also told the court that he would file rejoinder to the Centre's affidavit which was filed last week. Gandhi had made the contemptuous remark, "chowkidar chor hai", against Modi, which the apex court had said was wrongly attributed to it. The top court had on April 30 given another opportunity to Gandhi for filing one more affidavit for his remark. Though Gandhi, through his counsel, admitted that he made a mistake by wrongly attributing the remark to the Supreme Court, it observed that in the affidavit filed earlier, at one point the Congress President admitted the mistake and at one point denied making contemptuous remarks. In its December 14, 2018 verdict, the apex court had said there was no occasion to doubt decision-making process in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all the petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal. The top court had said there was no substantial evidence of commercial favouritism to any private entity. Later, in a setback to the Centre, the apex court had on April 10 allowed the plea relying on leaked documents for seeking review of its Rafale verdict and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. A deal to procure the jets was signed between India and France in 2015. The delivery is expected to begin in September this year.

Supreme Court says perplexed over separate listing of contempt case against Rahul Gandhi, Rafale review pleas

France's ambassador of India, Alexandre Ziegler, has denied the report in a section of media that Pakistani fighter pilots were trained by France to fly the Rafale jets for Qatari Air Force.

"I can confirm that it is fake news," the ambassador tweeted on Thursday.

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I can confirm that it is fake news. <a href="https://t.co/3XpPnfPqUc">https://t.co/3XpPnfPqUc</a>
— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1116239186103689216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The news was reported by AIN Online, a media firm which focusses on the aviation sector, in February. The report claimed, "Qatari personnel will be trained at Base Aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France, Rochefort, and the Joint Intelligence Training Institute in Strasbourg. The first batch of pilots trained for Qatar in November 2017 were Pakistani exchange officers."

Qatar took delivery of the first of 36 Rafale multi-purpose jet fighters it has ordered from French manufacturer Dassault in February this year.

The hand-over ceremony in Merignac, southwestern France, where the planes are built, was attended by Qatar Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah and Dassault Aviation chief Eric Trappier.

Qatar ordered 24 of the fighters in 2015, adding 12 more last year. It also has an option to buy 36 more.

The twin-engine fighter has been in service with the French Air Force since 2004.

France has also sold Mirage F1, Alpha Jets and Mirage 2000 fighters to Qatar.

(With input from agencies)

France's ambassador of India, Alexandre Ziegler, has denied the report in a section of media that Pakistani fighter pilots were trained by France to fly the Rafale jets for Qatari Air Force.

France's ambassador of India, Alexandre Ziegler, has denied the report in a section of media that Pakistani fighter pilots were trained by France to fly the Rafale jets for Qatari Air Force. "I can confirm that it is fake news," the ambassador tweeted on Thursday. I can confirm that it is fake news. https://t.co/3XpPnfPqUc — Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) April 11, 2019 × The news was reported by AIN Online, a media firm which focusses on the aviation sector, in February. The report claimed, "Qatari personnel will be trained at Base Aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France, Rochefort, and the Joint Intelligence Training Institute in Strasbourg. The first batch of pilots trained for Qatar in November 2017 were Pakistani exchange officers." Qatar took delivery of the first of 36 Rafale multi-purpose jet fighters it has ordered from French manufacturer Dassault in February this year. The hand-over ceremony in Merignac, southwestern France, where the planes are built, was attended by Qatar Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah and Dassault Aviation chief Eric Trappier. Qatar ordered 24 of the fighters in 2015, adding 12 more last year. It also has an option to buy 36 more. The twin-engine fighter has been in service with the French Air Force since 2004. France has also sold Mirage F1, Alpha Jets and Mirage 2000 fighters to Qatar. (With input from agencies)

Did Pak pilots train on Rafale jets? 'Fake news' says French ambassador

The Supreme Court will Wednesday pronounce verdict on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre that the documents on which it was claiming "privilege" cannot be relied upon to re-examine the verdict in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will pronounce the verdict.

On March 14, the apex court had reserved verdict on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre on admissibility of privileged documents annexed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie as also activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan in their review petition against the top court's December 14 judgement that dismissed all petitions against the Rafale jet deal.

"Only after we decide the preliminary objection raised by the Centre, we will go into other aspect of the review petitions," the bench said, adding that "only if we overrule the preliminary objection, we will go into other details".

The Centre had claimed privilege over documents pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and said those documents cannot be considered in evidence as per Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre had contended that no one can produce them in the court without the permission of the department concerned as those documents are also protected under the Official Secrets Act and their disclosure is exempted under the Right to Information Act as per Section 8(1)(a).

Bhushan had contended that the Centre's objections were "mala fide and totally untenable arguments".

The top court had further noted that according to the AG's submissions "there are three Rafale documents whose publication comes under Official Secrets Act, 1923. These documents were unauthorisedly published. You claim privilege under section 123 of Evidence Act. You want us to adjudicate and strike down the review on this basis".

Bhusahn had submitted a note countering the preliminary objections raised by the centre on maintainability of the review petitions, stating that "preliminary objection are mala fide and totally untenable arguments".

He had said government cannot claim privilege over the documents which are already published and is in public domain.

Bhushan had said that Section 123 Indian Evidence Act only protected "unpublished documents".

While the Centre was making submission that the documents can be withheld from disclosure under the RTI Act in view of the national security, the top court said Section 22 of the RTI Act gave it an overriding effect over the Official Secrets Act.

It also said that under Section 24 of the RTI Act even security and intelligence establishments are not exempted from disclosing information in relation to corruption and human rights violations.

"The RTI Act brought a revolution. In 2009, your own government said file notings can be made available under the RTI. Let us not go back now," the bench has said.

Bhushan further said that provisions of the RTI Act say public interest outweighs other things and no privilege can be claimed except for documents which pertain to intelligence agencies.

He also said that there is no government-to-government contract in purchasing Rafale jets as there is no sovereign guarantee extended to India by France in the Rs 58,000 crore deal.

He had submitted why the government didn't lodge any FIR when these documents started coming out in November 2018.

He had further said that the government has itself filed a detailed CAG report regarding as many as 10 defence purchases and it is untenable on their part to now claim privilege.

The Supreme Court will Wednesday pronounce verdict on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre that the documents on which it was claiming "privilege" cannot be relied upon to re-examine the verdict in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

The Supreme Court will Wednesday pronounce verdict on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre that the documents on which it was claiming "privilege" cannot be relied upon to re-examine the verdict in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will pronounce the verdict. On March 14, the apex court had reserved verdict on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre on admissibility of privileged documents annexed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie as also activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan in their review petition against the top court's December 14 judgement that dismissed all petitions against the Rafale jet deal. "Only after we decide the preliminary objection raised by the Centre, we will go into other aspect of the review petitions," the bench said, adding that "only if we overrule the preliminary objection, we will go into other details". The Centre had claimed privilege over documents pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and said those documents cannot be considered in evidence as per Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre had contended that no one can produce them in the court without the permission of the department concerned as those documents are also protected under the Official Secrets Act and their disclosure is exempted under the Right to Information Act as per Section 8(1)(a). Bhushan had contended that the Centre's objections were "mala fide and totally untenable arguments". The top court had further noted that according to the AG's submissions "there are three Rafale documents whose publication comes under Official Secrets Act, 1923. These documents were unauthorisedly published. You claim privilege under section 123 of Evidence Act. You want us to adjudicate and strike down the review on this basis". Bhusahn had submitted a note countering the preliminary objections raised by the centre on maintainability of the review petitions, stating that "preliminary objection are mala fide and totally untenable arguments". He had said government cannot claim privilege over the documents which are already published and is in public domain. Bhushan had said that Section 123 Indian Evidence Act only protected "unpublished documents". While the Centre was making submission that the documents can be withheld from disclosure under the RTI Act in view of the national security, the top court said Section 22 of the RTI Act gave it an overriding effect over the Official Secrets Act. It also said that under Section 24 of the RTI Act even security and intelligence establishments are not exempted from disclosing information in relation to corruption and human rights violations. "The RTI Act brought a revolution. In 2009, your own government said file notings can be made available under the RTI. Let us not go back now," the bench has said. Bhushan further said that provisions of the RTI Act say public interest outweighs other things and no privilege can be claimed except for documents which pertain to intelligence agencies. He also said that there is no government-to-government contract in purchasing Rafale jets as there is no sovereign guarantee extended to India by France in the Rs 58,000 crore deal. He had submitted why the government didn't lodge any FIR when these documents started coming out in November 2018. He had further said that the government has itself filed a detailed CAG report regarding as many as 10 defence purchases and it is untenable on their part to now claim privilege.

Supreme Court verdict Wednesday on Centre's preliminary objection in Rafale review pleas

IAF Chief: Rafale to boost more power to IAF

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders.&nbsp;

"I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said.

"Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal.

At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. 
The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed. 
&nbsp;

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft. Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders. "I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said. "Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added. Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal. At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.

Does Rahul Gandhi need certificate from Pakistan on Rafale: BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the opposition for doubting the armed forces on the anti-terror air strike in Pakistan and said the country is feeling the absence of Rafale fighter jets as the results could have been different if India had these aircraft.

He said the country has seen the influence of India's foreign policy after the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan within three days of his capture.

Modi took on the opposition over the issue of air strike, saying while the entire world stood behind India in its fight against terror, some parties in the country were questioning and raising doubts.

He also hit out at his detractors, saying they are free to criticise him but their anti-Modi tirade should not harm the country's security interests and help terrorists such as Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed.

"India is feeling the absence of Rafale. The entire country is saying in one voice today if we had Rafale probably the result would have been different. The country has suffered a lot due to selfish interests earlier and now politics over Rafale," he said at the India Today Conclave.

He hit out at his detractors and said in their obsession to attack him, such people were harming the country and its security interests.

"One of the challenges before the country is some people opposing their own country. When the entire nation today is standing with the armed forces, some parties are casting doubts on them.

"These are the parties whose statements and articles are being used by Pakistan against India. In their fixation with criticising Modi, they are opposing the country and compromising its interests," the PM said.

"I want to ask these people whether they trust the capability of our armed forces or doubt it...A person like Modi will come and go, but India will remain...I want to tell such people that they are free to oppose Modi and point out shortcomings in the government's work, but do not help those harbouring terrorism.

"If you want to oppose Modi, do so, but do not oppose national interests. They should take care that their anti-Modi obsession and not help terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed," he said at the gathering.

He said that India's unity has scared many within the country and outside. He said there was fear in the neighbouring country of the bravery and valour of Indian armed forces and it was good to learn that.

Modi said, "I can say with full confidence that the 21st century belongs to India."&nbsp;

On pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's release, he said, "Going by the events in the last few days, you would have seen the influence of India's foreign policy. Have you seen or not."&nbsp;

Modi said people had raised doubts over his experience in foreign policy issues when he took over as prime minister. 
Tearing into the Congress, Modi alleged its rule saw many defence scams. "They began with jeeps and later graduated to weapons, submarines, helicopters. The defence sector suffered in the process," he said.

"Those who ruled the nation for many many years had interests in two things - doles and deals. The culture of doles and deals harmed our nation's development journey greatly.

"Why is it that those who ruled the nation for so many years have so many defence scams in their era? They began with Jeeps and later graduated to weapons, submarines, helicopters. In the process, the defence sector suffered.

"If a deal could not happen, defence modernisation could not happen. Who is every dealmaker close to? Who is every middle-man close to? The entire nation knows. And Lutyens' Delhi, surely knows," he told the gathering.

Modi said during his tenure, 2.3 lakh bulletproof jackets were bought while previous Congress-led government ignored the proposal since 2009. The jackets he said were most important for the life of a soldier.

"You would be ashamed to know that not one, I repeat not one bulletproof jacket was obtained from 2009 to 2014," he said.

"In our tenure, the corridors of power are also free from middlemen because they know, this government will not tolerate any corruption," he said.

"While they (Congress) worked for 10 per cent commission, our governments work for 100 per cent mission," he noted.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The government has denied the charges.

The prime minister also criticised the previous Congress governments for not doing anything to implement the OROP (One rank, one pension) scheme for armed forces and asked why was there no war memorial for the martyred soldiers.

Modi noted that unlike in the past, now no one can dare to threaten India and said, "the new India is a leader, fearless and decisive", adding that his government was decisive due to the unity of the people of the country.

Modi said his government's 55 months in power and 55 years of others' rule had given two contrasting approaches to governance. Previous governments had a "token approach", "we have a total approach'," he said.

Modi said Congress government gave away doles that were not aimed at empowering the poor, who remained at the mercy of the political class.

"The best example of this is the farm loan waivers. No economist or policy expert will ever say farm loan waivers can solve our agrarian issues. It is a temporary balm at best," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the opposition for doubting the armed forces on the anti-terror air strike in Pakistan and said the country is feeling the absence of Rafale fighter jets as the results could have been different if India had these aircraft.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the opposition for doubting the armed forces on the anti-terror air strike in Pakistan and said the country is feeling the absence of Rafale fighter jets as the results could have been different if India had these aircraft. He said the country has seen the influence of India's foreign policy after the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan within three days of his capture. Modi took on the opposition over the issue of air strike, saying while the entire world stood behind India in its fight against terror, some parties in the country were questioning and raising doubts. He also hit out at his detractors, saying they are free to criticise him but their anti-Modi tirade should not harm the country's security interests and help terrorists such as Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. "India is feeling the absence of Rafale. The entire country is saying in one voice today if we had Rafale probably the result would have been different. The country has suffered a lot due to selfish interests earlier and now politics over Rafale," he said at the India Today Conclave. He hit out at his detractors and said in their obsession to attack him, such people were harming the country and its security interests. "One of the challenges before the country is some people opposing their own country. When the entire nation today is standing with the armed forces, some parties are casting doubts on them. "These are the parties whose statements and articles are being used by Pakistan against India. In their fixation with criticising Modi, they are opposing the country and compromising its interests," the PM said. "I want to ask these people whether they trust the capability of our armed forces or doubt it...A person like Modi will come and go, but India will remain...I want to tell such people that they are free to oppose Modi and point out shortcomings in the government's work, but do not help those harbouring terrorism. "If you want to oppose Modi, do so, but do not oppose national interests. They should take care that their anti-Modi obsession and not help terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed," he said at the gathering. He said that India's unity has scared many within the country and outside. He said there was fear in the neighbouring country of the bravery and valour of Indian armed forces and it was good to learn that. Modi said, "I can say with full confidence that the 21st century belongs to India." On pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's release, he said, "Going by the events in the last few days, you would have seen the influence of India's foreign policy. Have you seen or not." Modi said people had raised doubts over his experience in foreign policy issues when he took over as prime minister. Tearing into the Congress, Modi alleged its rule saw many defence scams. "They began with jeeps and later graduated to weapons, submarines, helicopters. The defence sector suffered in the process," he said. "Those who ruled the nation for many many years had interests in two things - doles and deals. The culture of doles and deals harmed our nation's development journey greatly. "Why is it that those who ruled the nation for so many years have so many defence scams in their era? They began with Jeeps and later graduated to weapons, submarines, helicopters. In the process, the defence sector suffered. "If a deal could not happen, defence modernisation could not happen. Who is every dealmaker close to? Who is every middle-man close to? The entire nation knows. And Lutyens' Delhi, surely knows," he told the gathering. Modi said during his tenure, 2.3 lakh bulletproof jackets were bought while previous Congress-led government ignored the proposal since 2009. The jackets he said were most important for the life of a soldier. "You would be ashamed to know that not one, I repeat not one bulletproof jacket was obtained from 2009 to 2014," he said. "In our tenure, the corridors of power are also free from middlemen because they know, this government will not tolerate any corruption," he said. "While they (Congress) worked for 10 per cent commission, our governments work for 100 per cent mission," he noted. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The government has denied the charges. The prime minister also criticised the previous Congress governments for not doing anything to implement the OROP (One rank, one pension) scheme for armed forces and asked why was there no war memorial for the martyred soldiers. Modi noted that unlike in the past, now no one can dare to threaten India and said, "the new India is a leader, fearless and decisive", adding that his government was decisive due to the unity of the people of the country. Modi said his government's 55 months in power and 55 years of others' rule had given two contrasting approaches to governance. Previous governments had a "token approach", "we have a total approach'," he said. Modi said Congress government gave away doles that were not aimed at empowering the poor, who remained at the mercy of the political class. "The best example of this is the farm loan waivers. No economist or policy expert will ever say farm loan waivers can solve our agrarian issues. It is a temporary balm at best," he said.

PM Modi says country missing Rafale, slams opposition for doubting Balakot air strike

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/day-1-aero-india-2019-198720">Rafale</a> deal.

The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph will hear the review petitions.

On February 26, in an unusual course of action, the apex court decided to hear the review pleas in open court.

According to the normal course of the court, the review petitions are usually heard in chambers.

In its December 14 order, the Supreme Court had dismissed petitions seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Rafale deal signed two years back, alleging irregularities and corruption in the pact.

The court had said that it does not find any substantial material on record to show that this is a case of commercial favouritism to any party by the Government of India. The deal was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to France in April 2015 and the deal was concluded in 2016.

On January 2, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petitioners-arun-shourie-yashwant-sinha-prashant-bhushan-to-move-sc-for-review-of-rafale-judgment-187838">petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal case</a> — Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, both former Union Ministers, and Prashant Bhushan, a noted lawyer — had moved the apex court for review of its Rafale judgment of December 14.

They had asked for recalling of the judgement and had also sought an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea.

Their petition states that the December 14 verdict contained several errors and also it relied upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of the principle of natural justice.

They also alleged that Prime Minister Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Air Force Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any defence procurement.

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the Rafale deal. The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the Rafale deal. The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph will hear the review petitions. On February 26, in an unusual course of action, the apex court decided to hear the review pleas in open court. According to the normal course of the court, the review petitions are usually heard in chambers. In its December 14 order, the Supreme Court had dismissed petitions seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Rafale deal signed two years back, alleging irregularities and corruption in the pact. The court had said that it does not find any substantial material on record to show that this is a case of commercial favouritism to any party by the Government of India. The deal was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to France in April 2015 and the deal was concluded in 2016. On January 2, petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal case — Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, both former Union Ministers, and Prashant Bhushan, a noted lawyer — had moved the apex court for review of its Rafale judgment of December 14. They had asked for recalling of the judgement and had also sought an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea. Their petition states that the December 14 verdict contained several errors and also it relied upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of the principle of natural justice. They also alleged that Prime Minister Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Air Force Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any defence procurement.

Supreme Court to hear petitions seeking review of Rafale judgement on March 6

The Supreme Court Thursday said that it would consider listing of a plea seeking review of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">its verdict in the Rafale case</a>.

The apex court on December 14 last year dismissed a clutch of PILs, including the one filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, saying there was "no occasion to doubt" the decision-making process of the Centre in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said four applications or petitions have been filed in the Rafale matter and one of them is still lying with the registry on account of defect.

"The combination (of the judges) of bench will have to be changed. It is very difficult. We will do something for it," the bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, said when&nbsp;Bhushan sought urgent listing of the petitions in the Rafale case.&nbsp;

Bhushan said that the review petition filed by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was defective and other petitions had no defects to be cured.

He also said that besides the review petition, an application seeking perjury prosecution against some central government employees for giving misleading information to the court has also been filed.&nbsp;

Besides Bhushan, Sinha and Shourie had moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking initiation of perjury proceedings against central government officials for allegedly giving "false or misleading" information in a sealed cover in the high-profile Rafale case.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Thursday said that it would consider listing of a plea seeking review of its verdict in the Rafale case. The apex court on December 14 last year dismissed a clutch of PILs, including the one filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, saying there was "no occasion to doubt" the decision-making process of the Centre in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

The Supreme Court Thursday said that it would consider listing of a plea seeking review of its verdict in the Rafale case. The apex court on December 14 last year dismissed a clutch of PILs, including the one filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, saying there was "no occasion to doubt" the decision-making process of the Centre in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said four applications or petitions have been filed in the Rafale matter and one of them is still lying with the registry on account of defect. "The combination (of the judges) of bench will have to be changed. It is very difficult. We will do something for it," the bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, said when Bhushan sought urgent listing of the petitions in the Rafale case. Bhushan said that the review petition filed by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was defective and other petitions had no defects to be cured. He also said that besides the review petition, an application seeking perjury prosecution against some central government employees for giving misleading information to the court has also been filed. Besides Bhushan, Sinha and Shourie had moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking initiation of perjury proceedings against central government officials for allegedly giving "false or misleading" information in a sealed cover in the high-profile Rafale case.

Rafale verdict: Supreme Court says it may hear plea asking for a review

Union Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lies-of-mahajhootbandhan-stand-exposed-by-cag-report-on-rafale-says-jaitley-197100">Arun Jaitley </a>on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal.

Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country.

He further hit out at the Congress and said that Rahul Gandhi had lied about the Rafale deal.

Jaitley said that the maintenance process of the aircraft&nbsp;is cheaper under the NDA government and&nbsp;the price was increased due to the addition of sophisticated equipment.

Citing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-rafale-deal-286-per-cent-cheaper-than-the-one-negotiated-upa-cag-197103">CAG report</a>, he said, "The report has completely vindicated stand of NDA government. It has blasted the big lie which was being spearheaded by the Congress."

He further said that the deal had received a satisfactory response from the Supreme Court and the CAG and that the&nbsp;matter does not end here.

"The matter doesn’t finish here, the people have to punish those who misled the country. This is exactly the repetition of 1989. In 1989 when the Congress government headed by Shri Rajeev Gandhi was mired in corruption, they manufactured a Saint Kitts against Mr VP Singh. Because Mr Modi has a clean image let us manufacture a crisis," he said.

Dismissing the reports of the government intervention in the deal he said, "In a consultation process, people are bound to express different views (MoD dissent note), that is how decisions take place, but ultimately the Government is one and final decision is taken. "

On reports of Congress' charge against CAG Mehrishi he said, "Congress stands for the destruction of institutions, they destroyed institutions during the emergency. No file or decision relating to any defence purchase, or Rafale in particular ever went to Rajiv Mehrishi(CAG) when he was Secy Economic Affairs for eleven months".

The Union Minister also assured that the delivery of the planes would be done faster. 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal. Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal. Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country. He further hit out at the Congress and said that Rahul Gandhi had lied about the Rafale deal. Jaitley said that the maintenance process of the aircraft is cheaper under the NDA government and the price was increased due to the addition of sophisticated equipment. Citing the CAG report, he said, "The report has completely vindicated stand of NDA government. It has blasted the big lie which was being spearheaded by the Congress." He further said that the deal had received a satisfactory response from the Supreme Court and the CAG and that the matter does not end here. "The matter doesn’t finish here, the people have to punish those who misled the country. This is exactly the repetition of 1989. In 1989 when the Congress government headed by Shri Rajeev Gandhi was mired in corruption, they manufactured a Saint Kitts against Mr VP Singh. Because Mr Modi has a clean image let us manufacture a crisis," he said. Dismissing the reports of the government intervention in the deal he said, "In a consultation process, people are bound to express different views (MoD dissent note), that is how decisions take place, but ultimately the Government is one and final decision is taken. " On reports of Congress' charge against CAG Mehrishi he said, "Congress stands for the destruction of institutions, they destroyed institutions during the emergency. No file or decision relating to any defence purchase, or Rafale in particular ever went to Rajiv Mehrishi(CAG) when he was Secy Economic Affairs for eleven months". The Union Minister also assured that the delivery of the planes would be done faster.

Government stand vindicated, says Arun Jaitley on Rafale deal

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-modi-government-followed-upas-policy-on-inter-governmental-agreements-196598">Rafale jet fighter deal</a>, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said.

The government's decision to buy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-should-answer-if-rafale-deal-meant-to-strengthen-iaf-or-industrialist-shiv-sena-196220">36 Rafale fighter jets</a> from French company Dassault has become a controversial political issue, with the main opposition party Congress levelling allegations of corruption and impropriety, and the ruling dispensation defending the move.

The CAG report will be tabled on Tuesday, a day before the end of the present Lok Sabha session. This is the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha as the general elections are due in April-May.

Former minister and senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged conflict of interest and asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi to recuse himself from auditing the deal as he was the finance secretary when the deal was negotiated.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley, however, rebutted the claims of Sibal saying that the Congress was casting aspersions on the institution of CAG based on "falsehood".

"Another attack on the institution of CAG by the 'Institution wreckers' based on falsehood. After ten years in Government former UPA ministers still don't know that Finance Secretary is only a designation given to the senior-most secretary in the finance ministry," Jaitley said a series of tweets Sunday.

Sibal said Mehrishi was the finance secretary from October 24, 2014, to August 30, 2015, and in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Paris on April 10, 2015 and announced the signing of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-based-on-fudged-arithmetic-jaitley-dismisses-report-of-rafale-price-escalation-191327">Rafale deal</a>.

"...Finance Ministry plays an important role in these negotiations...Now it is clear that the Rafale deal happened under Rajiv Mehrishi. Now he is CAG. We met him twice on September 19 and October 4, 2018. We told him about the scam. We told him that the deal should be probed because it is corrupt. But how can he initiate a probe against himself," Sibal had said.

The Rafale issue was even raised before the Supreme Court, which did not find any substance in the allegations.

However, the issue has continued to rock Parliament with Congress President Rahul Gandhi directly accusing the Prime Minister of benefiting industrialist Anil Ambani.

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on Rafale jet fighter deal, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said.

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on Rafale jet fighter deal, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said. The government's decision to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault has become a controversial political issue, with the main opposition party Congress levelling allegations of corruption and impropriety, and the ruling dispensation defending the move. The CAG report will be tabled on Tuesday, a day before the end of the present Lok Sabha session. This is the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha as the general elections are due in April-May. Former minister and senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged conflict of interest and asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi to recuse himself from auditing the deal as he was the finance secretary when the deal was negotiated. Union Minister Arun Jaitley, however, rebutted the claims of Sibal saying that the Congress was casting aspersions on the institution of CAG based on "falsehood". "Another attack on the institution of CAG by the 'Institution wreckers' based on falsehood. After ten years in Government former UPA ministers still don't know that Finance Secretary is only a designation given to the senior-most secretary in the finance ministry," Jaitley said a series of tweets Sunday. Sibal said Mehrishi was the finance secretary from October 24, 2014, to August 30, 2015, and in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Paris on April 10, 2015 and announced the signing of the Rafale deal. "...Finance Ministry plays an important role in these negotiations...Now it is clear that the Rafale deal happened under Rajiv Mehrishi. Now he is CAG. We met him twice on September 19 and October 4, 2018. We told him about the scam. We told him that the deal should be probed because it is corrupt. But how can he initiate a probe against himself," Sibal had said. The Rafale issue was even raised before the Supreme Court, which did not find any substance in the allegations. However, the issue has continued to rock Parliament with Congress President Rahul Gandhi directly accusing the Prime Minister of benefiting industrialist Anil Ambani.

Government to table CAG report on Rafale deal in Parliament Tuesday

Notwithstanding the controversy, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-table-cag-report-on-rafale-deal-in-parliament-tuesday-196795">the Rafale fighter jet </a>procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-modi-government-followed-upas-policy-on-inter-governmental-agreements-196598">delivery of the aircraft </a>is slated to take place in France and would be brought to India, the official added.

Earlier in the day, IAF's Deputy Chief Air Marshal VS Chaudhari said that no sovereign guarantees were given by the Russians in the S-400 air missile system deal.

Later while briefing on the Vayu Shakti exercise, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla said, “Rafale induction into the Air Force will give a big boost to our combat capabilities”.

Sharing details of the ongoing exercise, he added: “LCA, Akash missile defence systems, ALH Dhruv and Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft to represent the indigenous aircraft capability in the exercise”.

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today used a fresh media report to allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acted as a “middleman” for industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter deal and accused him of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and indulging in “treason” for which “action must be initiated”. However, Ambani has repeatedly refuted all allegations and have termed them baseless.

Earlier on February 11, Air Marshal SBP Sinha who headed Rafale negotiations on behalf of India said that the anti-corruption clause in the Rafale deal was not there in the earlier government to government contracts signed with America and Russia.

The UPA government in 2013 had come up with a new policy which allowed the Defence Ministry not to follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides.

Notwithstanding the controversy, the Rafale fighter jet procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday.

Notwithstanding the controversy, the Rafale fighter jet procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday. The delivery of the aircraft is slated to take place in France and would be brought to India, the official added. Earlier in the day, IAF's Deputy Chief Air Marshal VS Chaudhari said that no sovereign guarantees were given by the Russians in the S-400 air missile system deal. Later while briefing on the Vayu Shakti exercise, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla said, “Rafale induction into the Air Force will give a big boost to our combat capabilities”. Sharing details of the ongoing exercise, he added: “LCA, Akash missile defence systems, ALH Dhruv and Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft to represent the indigenous aircraft capability in the exercise”. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today used a fresh media report to allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acted as a “middleman” for industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter deal and accused him of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and indulging in “treason” for which “action must be initiated”. However, Ambani has repeatedly refuted all allegations and have termed them baseless. Earlier on February 11, Air Marshal SBP Sinha who headed Rafale negotiations on behalf of India said that the anti-corruption clause in the Rafale deal was not there in the earlier government to government contracts signed with America and Russia. The UPA government in 2013 had come up with a new policy which allowed the Defence Ministry not to follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides.

First Rafale aircraft set to be delivered in September in India

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">Rafale fighter deal </a>and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”.

In an exclusive interview to ANI in Delhi, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-flogging-a-dead-horse-says-sitharaman-after-uproar-in-parliament-over-rafale-196013">Sitharaman slammed Congress</a> President Rahul Gandhi for constantly raising questions over the Rafale deal, equating him to a “parrot” and asked what “moral authority” he has to do so when he, along with his mother Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law Robert Vadra are on bail.

She asserted that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to monitor progress in any deal or project and if the PMO checks on these, it cannot be termed as “interference”.

Referring to the news item which appeared in a newspaper on Friday, Sitharaman alleged that it was “half truth, with the intention ... to create doubt in the minds of the reader.”

The minister questioned whether it was not the “responsibility” of the journalist to try to get complete details or get response from the ministry before publishing the item. Even if there was no response, an attempt could have been made, she added.

She said that while publishing the file notings of an officer of the Defence Ministry, the journalist should have looked for the response of the Defence Minister “But what they have done in publishing the item is not a complete job,” Sitharaman said.

She said it was her “suspicion and I have reason to suspect” that publication of the news item was “an attempt by some people, either by doing themselves, or whether because of corporate warfare that is going on.”

Rejecting the contention about “interference” by the PMO, the Defence Minister said any PMO, not just under NarendraModi, would “naturally monitor” the progress of any deal or even programmes like AyushmanBharat.

“The Prime Minister is the first among equals (in a Cabinet) and if PMO checks on a ministry, it is not interference.... If the PMO is asking what is the status (of a project), it is not interference,” Sitharaman underlined.

She then went on to attack the Congress, questioning the role of National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister.

“If this (PMO asking about progress of a project) is seen as interference, I ask the Congress, what was the NAC under Sonia Gandhi.... What was its role? They were not under PMO or Cabinet Secretariat?.. &nbsp;Did it have any statutory status.... It was remote-controlling the PM. Was it not interference?” 
To a question, he equated Gandhi to a “parrot” which keeps repeating something and said “You can wake up someone who is sleeping but not someone who pretends to sleep.”

Targeting Gandhi, she asked, “Why is he on bail? Why is his mother on bail? Why is his brother-in-law on bail? How has he moral authority to question the PM?”

Referring to the Congress President’s press conference held this morning, Sitharaman said, “See how he is provoking the armed forces.... What was his language at the press conference. Nobody asked him what kind of language are you using? ... Are you provoking the armed forces?”

She said Modi monitors projects even at district level, earlier as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister.

“Otherwise, you think progress could have been made at this speed, without corruption, without middlemen? ...He monitors and ensures implementation of decisions,” Sitharaman said.

Asked whether she, as Defence Minister, was worried as letters about Rafale deal were getting leaked.In response, she said, “I am not worried about Rafale or any other decision we have taken, because we have gone on merit... But through selective leaking, distorted versions, false impression is created.”

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the Rafale fighter deal and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”.

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the Rafale fighter deal and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”. In an exclusive interview to ANI in Delhi, Sitharaman slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for constantly raising questions over the Rafale deal, equating him to a “parrot” and asked what “moral authority” he has to do so when he, along with his mother Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law Robert Vadra are on bail. She asserted that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to monitor progress in any deal or project and if the PMO checks on these, it cannot be termed as “interference”. Referring to the news item which appeared in a newspaper on Friday, Sitharaman alleged that it was “half truth, with the intention ... to create doubt in the minds of the reader.” The minister questioned whether it was not the “responsibility” of the journalist to try to get complete details or get response from the ministry before publishing the item. Even if there was no response, an attempt could have been made, she added. She said that while publishing the file notings of an officer of the Defence Ministry, the journalist should have looked for the response of the Defence Minister “But what they have done in publishing the item is not a complete job,” Sitharaman said. She said it was her “suspicion and I have reason to suspect” that publication of the news item was “an attempt by some people, either by doing themselves, or whether because of corporate warfare that is going on.” Rejecting the contention about “interference” by the PMO, the Defence Minister said any PMO, not just under NarendraModi, would “naturally monitor” the progress of any deal or even programmes like AyushmanBharat. “The Prime Minister is the first among equals (in a Cabinet) and if PMO checks on a ministry, it is not interference.... If the PMO is asking what is the status (of a project), it is not interference,” Sitharaman underlined. She then went on to attack the Congress, questioning the role of National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. “If this (PMO asking about progress of a project) is seen as interference, I ask the Congress, what was the NAC under Sonia Gandhi.... What was its role? They were not under PMO or Cabinet Secretariat?.. Did it have any statutory status.... It was remote-controlling the PM. Was it not interference?” To a question, he equated Gandhi to a “parrot” which keeps repeating something and said “You can wake up someone who is sleeping but not someone who pretends to sleep.” Targeting Gandhi, she asked, “Why is he on bail? Why is his mother on bail? Why is his brother-in-law on bail? How has he moral authority to question the PM?” Referring to the Congress President’s press conference held this morning, Sitharaman said, “See how he is provoking the armed forces.... What was his language at the press conference. Nobody asked him what kind of language are you using? ... Are you provoking the armed forces?” She said Modi monitors projects even at district level, earlier as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister. “Otherwise, you think progress could have been made at this speed, without corruption, without middlemen? ...He monitors and ensures implementation of decisions,” Sitharaman said. Asked whether she, as Defence Minister, was worried as letters about Rafale deal were getting leaked.In response, she said, “I am not worried about Rafale or any other decision we have taken, because we have gone on merit... But through selective leaking, distorted versions, false impression is created.”

He has no moral authority to question PM while being on bail himself: Sitharaman slams Rahul Gandhi

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cable-stayed-atal-setu-inaugurated-on-mandovi-river-in-goa-193229">Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar </a>accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains.

In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Parrikar wrote, "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the five minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.'

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Goa CM Manohar Parrikar writes to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, writes "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the 5 minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' <a href="https://t.co/HbUX6yiDk3">pic.twitter.com/HbUX6yiDk3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090565906227490817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Parrikar's response to Rahul Gandhi came after the Congress president claimed that the former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hows-the-josh-asks-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-watches-uri-the-surgical-strike-193514">defence minister</a> told him in a meeting that he was not consulted&nbsp;before his party changed the&nbsp;Rafale deal.

Rahul, who was on a private visit to Goa, met the Chief Minister on Tuesday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says "Main kal Parrikar ji se mila tha. Parrikar ji ne swayam kaha tha ki deal badalte seamay PM ne Hindustan ke Defence Minister se nahi poocha tha." <a href="https://t.co/adgAV0SKhU">pic.twitter.com/adgAV0SKhU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090552279260901377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He further attacked the former defence minister and said that Parrikar was trying to please PM Modi.

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Rahul Gandhi: Ek taraf Parrikar ji cabinet meeting mein kehte hain ki mere paas Rafale hawai jahaz ki file padi hui hai, mujhe Goa se koi nahi hata sakta. Unka mantri journalist se telephone pe baat karta hai. Modi ji Parrikar ki khush karne ki koshish karte hain. <a href="https://t.co/z6HGD5UuUy">pic.twitter.com/z6HGD5UuUy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090562202040360960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, presented a revenue surplus state budget sitting on his chair in the state Assembly, with a tube inserted through his nose.

Parrikar tabled the budget which has total gross budgetary expenditure, including power purchase of Rs 19,548.69 crore as against Rs 17,123.98 crore for 2018-19, an increase of 14.16 per cent over last year, PTI reported.

Launching a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged that he "sold" the Indian Air Force and "stole" opportunities of the youth by giving away Rs 30,000 crore to his "friend" and businessman Anil Ambani.

He said the prime minister spoke for one and a half hours in Parliament but when asked questions on Rafale, he could not look in the eye and kept looking elsewhere.

The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains.

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains. In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Parrikar wrote, "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the five minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' Goa CM Manohar Parrikar writes to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, writes "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the 5 minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' pic.twitter.com/HbUX6yiDk3 — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × Parrikar's response to Rahul Gandhi came after the Congress president claimed that the former defence minister told him in a meeting that he was not consulted before his party changed the Rafale deal. Rahul, who was on a private visit to Goa, met the Chief Minister on Tuesday. #WATCH Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says "Main kal Parrikar ji se mila tha. Parrikar ji ne swayam kaha tha ki deal badalte seamay PM ne Hindustan ke Defence Minister se nahi poocha tha." pic.twitter.com/adgAV0SKhU — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × He further attacked the former defence minister and said that Parrikar was trying to please PM Modi. Rahul Gandhi: Ek taraf Parrikar ji cabinet meeting mein kehte hain ki mere paas Rafale hawai jahaz ki file padi hui hai, mujhe Goa se koi nahi hata sakta. Unka mantri journalist se telephone pe baat karta hai. Modi ji Parrikar ki khush karne ki koshish karte hain. pic.twitter.com/z6HGD5UuUy — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, presented a revenue surplus state budget sitting on his chair in the state Assembly, with a tube inserted through his nose. Parrikar tabled the budget which has total gross budgetary expenditure, including power purchase of Rs 19,548.69 crore as against Rs 17,123.98 crore for 2018-19, an increase of 14.16 per cent over last year, PTI reported. Launching a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged that he "sold" the Indian Air Force and "stole" opportunities of the youth by giving away Rs 30,000 crore to his "friend" and businessman Anil Ambani. He said the prime minister spoke for one and a half hours in Parliament but when asked questions on Rafale, he could not look in the eye and kept looking elsewhere. The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the Rafale deal. (With inputs from agencies)

No talks of Rafale with Rahul Gandhi: Manohar Parrikar

Finance Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-hints-interim-budget-could-be-bigger-than-vote-on-account-191153">Arun Jaitley on Friday</a> dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Jaitley asserted that the Supreme Court has examined the prices of the fighter aircraft and that the CAG too is examining the same.

"The new article on Rafale is based on fudged arithmetic - ignore the escalation of the 2007 non-deal offer and compare it with the 2016 price and invent a scam," he tweeted.

"The Supreme Court has examined the prices. The CAG is examining the same. The fudged arithmetic of a compulsive contrarian can hardly be objective. Fudged arithmetics does not add to the credibility of its creator, " he added.

The Defence Ministry also dismissed media reports suggesting that advancements sought by the union government shot the price of a Rafale planes by 41 per cent as "factually inaccurate".

"The article is factually inaccurate. It does not adduce any new arguments. All the issues have been answered in detail by the Government at various fora and most recently by the Raksha Mantri in an open debate in the Parliament," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the India Specific Enhancements (ISE) were part of the requirements of the Indian Air Force to achieve tactical superiority over our adversaries.

The Central government signed a deal for 36 Rafale combat aircraft in September 2016 for over Rs 60,000 crore.

The government has stated in Parliament that the procurement was done to meet the emergency requirement of the Indian Air Force as the number of combat aircraft squadrons is dwindling.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic". Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Jaitley asserted that the Supreme Court has examined the prices of the fighter aircraft and that the CAG too is examining the same. "The new article on Rafale is based on fudged arithmetic - ignore the escalation of the 2007 non-deal offer and compare it with the 2016 price and invent a scam," he tweeted. "The Supreme Court has examined the prices. The CAG is examining the same. The fudged arithmetic of a compulsive contrarian can hardly be objective. Fudged arithmetics does not add to the credibility of its creator, " he added. The Defence Ministry also dismissed media reports suggesting that advancements sought by the union government shot the price of a Rafale planes by 41 per cent as "factually inaccurate". "The article is factually inaccurate. It does not adduce any new arguments. All the issues have been answered in detail by the Government at various fora and most recently by the Raksha Mantri in an open debate in the Parliament," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the India Specific Enhancements (ISE) were part of the requirements of the Indian Air Force to achieve tactical superiority over our adversaries. The Central government signed a deal for 36 Rafale combat aircraft in September 2016 for over Rs 60,000 crore. The government has stated in Parliament that the procurement was done to meet the emergency requirement of the Indian Air Force as the number of combat aircraft squadrons is dwindling.

It is based on fudged arithmetic: Jaitley dismisses report of Rafale price escalation

With a view to positioning its most modern fighter jets on both the fronts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hasimara in West Bengal.

"The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four Rafale fighter planes would arrive at Ambala around May 2020," senior IAF officials said.

Infrastructure for housing both the squadrons has been completed at both the bases.

In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues.

Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.

The Hasimara air base in West Bengal is close to the China border and was home to the MiG 27 fighters which are being phased out now.

Once inducted, the Rafales would be the most potent fighters of the Air Force but the mainstay would be the Su-30MKIs-272 which would be in service by the year 2021-22.

The Air Force rates the Rafale much higher than the Su-30MKIs in terms of capabilities and has been making a case for the increased number of Rafale type multirole fighters.&nbsp;

'The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019', said senior IAF officials.

With a view to positioning its most modern fighter jets on both the fronts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hasimara in West Bengal. "The first Rafale would be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four Rafale fighter planes would arrive at Ambala around May 2020," senior IAF officials said. Infrastructure for housing both the squadrons has been completed at both the bases. In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts. The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues. Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement. The Hasimara air base in West Bengal is close to the China border and was home to the MiG 27 fighters which are being phased out now. Once inducted, the Rafales would be the most potent fighters of the Air Force but the mainstay would be the Su-30MKIs-272 which would be in service by the year 2021-22. The Air Force rates the Rafale much higher than the Su-30MKIs in terms of capabilities and has been making a case for the increased number of Rafale type multirole fighters.

Indian Air Force to deploy Rafale jets in Ambala, Hasimara

A day&nbsp;after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court verdict </a>on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram&nbsp;urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

"We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft."

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Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/puVbEF3LQE">pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE</a>
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"Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added.

Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly.

Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to&nbsp;come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister."

The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
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A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate. "We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft." Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal #Rafale pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added. Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly. Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister." The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months. The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government. Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

Stay out of Rafale deal: Chidambaram to Army, Air force

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

He was able to cast a seed of doubt in the electorate’s mind on the issue of purchase. Though Rafale was never an issue in the Hindi heartland elections where Congress won but it did put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entire Cabinet on the edge. It made BJP defensive and the party was seen defending every jibe thrown by the Congress. BJP which made the anti-corruption campaign as its political shield for the first time became politically vulnerable.&nbsp;

It made it difficult for them to attack Congress in the same breath. Congress felt a Bofors moment in the case until the matter went to the court where hara-kiri was committed.

Today, Congress is adamant that it wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the issue and the court’s decision to not to intervene in the matter does not mean that corruption has not taken place.&nbsp;

The decision to not to evaluate a case on a key ground is not akin to corruption not taking place, will be very difficult for the entire Opposition to explain to the voters.

It will have no political resonance. The fact that the matter went to the judiciary for political resolution was the biggest undoing of an issue whose ultimate intention was to check Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign. The demand of the Congress will be met by skepticism and BJP will never agree for a JPC; it will treat the Supreme Court’s verdict as a clean chit.

SC’s decision has finished the doubt which got entrenched in the political discourse. In fact, the heat would be on Rahul Gandhi who will have to come out with a cogent explanation. It is, for this reason, Rafale will never become a solid and credible electoral issue for Congress again. On top of it, Congress may come across as insincere when it comes to defence and national interest. Chowkidar Chor Hai may remain a catchy line but would lack the punch which came with it.

It also tells us the peril of running to the court again and again on political issues. In politics, issues have to be fought on the ground. When courts become means to an end&nbsp;for a swift political resolution to affect public opinion, political parties walk into traps.&nbsp;

A judgment comes with its own wisdom. The Rafale issue is one such example of it.

Even Bofors died a death in the court of law only after it was milked politically by former Prime Minister VP Singh. It could never become an electoral issue again. The same is the case with Babri Masjid. It helped BJP one time but did not give the party a second chance to consolidated Hindu vote till Narendra Modi milked anti-corruption campaign to BJP’s advantage.

It also puts Congress in a bind. It can neither disown the charge nor afford to waste further time on it. They will have to carry the Rafale issue like a dud weapon in its political armour. It is a great respite to BJP after disastrous Assembly election results. It gives Prime Minister Modi enough political elbow room to attack Congress much more ferociously.&nbsp;

Nothing is certain and permanent in politics but today’s decision creates a new challenge for the Congress Party to corner Narendra Modi. Sticking to small business, agrarian distress and farmers issue may serve Congress party much better in Lok Sabha elections. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He was able to cast a seed of doubt in the electorate’s mind on the issue of purchase. Though Rafale was never an issue in the Hindi heartland elections where Congress won but it did put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entire Cabinet on the edge. It made BJP defensive and the party was seen defending every jibe thrown by the Congress. BJP which made the anti-corruption campaign as its political shield for the first time became politically vulnerable. It made it difficult for them to attack Congress in the same breath. Congress felt a Bofors moment in the case until the matter went to the court where hara-kiri was committed. Today, Congress is adamant that it wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the issue and the court’s decision to not to intervene in the matter does not mean that corruption has not taken place. The decision to not to evaluate a case on a key ground is not akin to corruption not taking place, will be very difficult for the entire Opposition to explain to the voters. It will have no political resonance. The fact that the matter went to the judiciary for political resolution was the biggest undoing of an issue whose ultimate intention was to check Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign. The demand of the Congress will be met by skepticism and BJP will never agree for a JPC; it will treat the Supreme Court’s verdict as a clean chit. SC’s decision has finished the doubt which got entrenched in the political discourse. In fact, the heat would be on Rahul Gandhi who will have to come out with a cogent explanation. It is, for this reason, Rafale will never become a solid and credible electoral issue for Congress again. On top of it, Congress may come across as insincere when it comes to defence and national interest. Chowkidar Chor Hai may remain a catchy line but would lack the punch which came with it. It also tells us the peril of running to the court again and again on political issues. In politics, issues have to be fought on the ground. When courts become means to an end for a swift political resolution to affect public opinion, political parties walk into traps. A judgment comes with its own wisdom. The Rafale issue is one such example of it. Even Bofors died a death in the court of law only after it was milked politically by former Prime Minister VP Singh. It could never become an electoral issue again. The same is the case with Babri Masjid. It helped BJP one time but did not give the party a second chance to consolidated Hindu vote till Narendra Modi milked anti-corruption campaign to BJP’s advantage. It also puts Congress in a bind. It can neither disown the charge nor afford to waste further time on it. They will have to carry the Rafale issue like a dud weapon in its political armour. It is a great respite to BJP after disastrous Assembly election results. It gives Prime Minister Modi enough political elbow room to attack Congress much more ferociously. Nothing is certain and permanent in politics but today’s decision creates a new challenge for the Congress Party to corner Narendra Modi. Sticking to small business, agrarian distress and farmers issue may serve Congress party much better in Lok Sabha elections. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rafale is a dud bomb now

Amit Shah on SC verdict on Rafale Probe

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-is-confused-man-on-rafale-says-nirmala-sitharaman-175207">said that the company chose</a> Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance.

"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dictated-interviews-and-manufactured-lies-cannot-suppress-the-rafale-scam-congress-hits-back-at-dassault-ceo-177048">respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge</a> that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

"In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added.

The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process".

The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013.

"We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government."

"The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said.

"We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies&nbsp;which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40,"&nbsp;he informed.

The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore.

"As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court.

It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation".

"We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said.

"We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal.

INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft.

The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary &amp; Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary &amp; Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side.

The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said. 
&nbsp;

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier said that the company chose Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance. "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. "In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added. The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process". The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013. "We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government." "The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said. "We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40," he informed. The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore. "As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court. It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation". "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said. "We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added. The Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal. INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft. The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary & Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary & Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side. The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said.

Rafale deal: We chose Ambani ourselves, not putting the money in Reliance, says Dassault CEO Trappier

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anil-ambanis-reliance-defence-tells-congress-to-behave-responsibly-while-talking-about-rafale-deal-160846">Rafale deal</a> to the Supreme Court.

The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism.&nbsp;

The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece".

He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence.

The government, on the&nbsp;other hand, said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-defence-minister-hits-out-at-opposition-on-rafale-deal-173408">BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency</a> in defence deals.&nbsp;Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner.&nbsp;

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Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. <a href="https://t.co/XxkUYbO7Em">pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056078554604154880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal. Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally. He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece". He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence. The government, on the other hand, said that the BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency in defence deals. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner. Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the #Rafale deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Government submits details of decision making in Rafale deal to Supreme Court

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday visited a production facility of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation near Paris where the Rafale jets to be supplied to India are being manufactured, official sources said.

They said during her visit to the plant in Argenteuil, Sitharaman spoke to officials of the Dassault Aviation, the makers of Rafale, and took stock of progress in production of the fighter jets whose delivery to India will begin in September next year.

Sitharaman arrived in Paris Thursday on a three-day visit in the midst of a massive controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore government-to-government deal between India and France.

Last evening, Sitharaman held wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen the strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries.

The talks were held under the framework of the annual Indo-French defence ministerial dialogue which was agreed to during the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in March.

The two defence ministers comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of the India-France strategic partnership, an official statement said.

They also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Both sides discussed ways to deepen defence related official as well as operational level interactions. It was agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the regular joint exercises (SHAKTI, VARUNA and GARUDA) in the future, the statement said.

Recognising that India-France partnership in the Indian Ocean Region is important for preserving and promoting the common strategic and security interests, the two leaders noted the continuing implementation of the "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region?.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

It was not immediately known whether the Rafale deal figured in the talks.

She also called on French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation.

In her interaction with the top leaders of the French defence industry, Sitharaman urged them to undertake and expand their defence manufacturing in

India under the Make in India initiative as well as promote defence technology and R&amp;D cooperation with Indian stakeholders such as Bharat Dynamics

Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited etc.

Sitharaman's visit to France came in the backdrop of a fierce political backlash between the ruling BJP and Congress over the procurement of the jets.

In a report Wednesday, French publication Mediapart said Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, had to choose Ambani's firm Reliance Defence as its offsets partner in India as a trade-off for getting the deal.

When asked about the allegations, Sitharaman said that offset obligations for the deal are mandatory but not the names of the companies.

In a statement, Dassault Aviation said it has "freely chosen to make a partnership with Reliance Group, as it rejected the report by French publication Mediapart".

The latest report followed former French president Francois Hollande's comments last month that France was given "no choice" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of the Indian company. Hollande was the French president when the Rafale deal was sealed.

The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

The Congress has also been targeting the government over selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault.

The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday visited a production facility of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation near Paris where the Rafale jets to be supplied to India are being manufactured, official sources said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday visited a production facility of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation near Paris where the Rafale jets to be supplied to India are being manufactured, official sources said. They said during her visit to the plant in Argenteuil, Sitharaman spoke to officials of the Dassault Aviation, the makers of Rafale, and took stock of progress in production of the fighter jets whose delivery to India will begin in September next year. Sitharaman arrived in Paris Thursday on a three-day visit in the midst of a massive controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore government-to-government deal between India and France. Last evening, Sitharaman held wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen the strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries. The talks were held under the framework of the annual Indo-French defence ministerial dialogue which was agreed to during the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in March. The two defence ministers comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of the India-France strategic partnership, an official statement said. They also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways to deepen defence related official as well as operational level interactions. It was agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the regular joint exercises (SHAKTI, VARUNA and GARUDA) in the future, the statement said. Recognising that India-France partnership in the Indian Ocean Region is important for preserving and promoting the common strategic and security interests, the two leaders noted the continuing implementation of the "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region?. It was not immediately known whether the Rafale deal figured in the talks. She also called on French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. In her interaction with the top leaders of the French defence industry, Sitharaman urged them to undertake and expand their defence manufacturing in India under the Make in India initiative as well as promote defence technology and R&D cooperation with Indian stakeholders such as Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited etc. Sitharaman's visit to France came in the backdrop of a fierce political backlash between the ruling BJP and Congress over the procurement of the jets. In a report Wednesday, French publication Mediapart said Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, had to choose Ambani's firm Reliance Defence as its offsets partner in India as a trade-off for getting the deal. When asked about the allegations, Sitharaman said that offset obligations for the deal are mandatory but not the names of the companies. In a statement, Dassault Aviation said it has "freely chosen to make a partnership with Reliance Group, as it rejected the report by French publication Mediapart". The latest report followed former French president Francois Hollande's comments last month that France was given "no choice" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of the Indian company. Hollande was the French president when the Rafale deal was sealed. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Rafale factory in France

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them.

In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft".

Attacking Anil Ambani for the Rafale deal he said, "A very senior person in the government has said that HAL doesn't have the capacity to build Rafale. Well, what about the person who got the contract? What capacity does he have? I see can 78 years of your (HAL) work here".

He further said that the HAL employees expected an apology as they were insulted and hurt.

"(HAL employees) said that they are the most experienced and best company in India to manufacture defence equipment. They are insulted and hurt as their hard work and patriotism has been insulted and questioned by the Government of India. So the first thing is they (HAL employee) expect an apology from the defence minister for insulting HAL. We understand that she won't apologise. She comments on the lack of experience of HAL but she doesn't have anything to say on the lack of experience of Anil Ambani, " Gandhi said.

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"We will fight this on every street in India, we will stand with HAL and fight this, we will stand with AirForce and fight this," he noted.

Gandhi further said that "HAL is not just a company when India got independence, India built some strategic assets to enter specific areas, HAL is a strategic asset to take India into aerospace. The work you have done for this country is tremendous and the country owes a debt to you".

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy were present during the interaction.

Gandhi's interaction is part of his onslaught against the PM Modi government over the Rafale deal in which he has alleged that HAL was overlooked in the offsets contracts with French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, preferring Anil Ambani's company.

Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL.

Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them. In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them. In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft". Attacking Anil Ambani for the Rafale deal he said, "A very senior person in the government has said that HAL doesn't have the capacity to build Rafale. Well, what about the person who got the contract? What capacity does he have? I see can 78 years of your (HAL) work here". He further said that the HAL employees expected an apology as they were insulted and hurt. "(HAL employees) said that they are the most experienced and best company in India to manufacture defence equipment. They are insulted and hurt as their hard work and patriotism has been insulted and questioned by the Government of India. So the first thing is they (HAL employee) expect an apology from the defence minister for insulting HAL. We understand that she won't apologise. She comments on the lack of experience of HAL but she doesn't have anything to say on the lack of experience of Anil Ambani, " Gandhi said. × "We will fight this on every street in India, we will stand with HAL and fight this, we will stand with AirForce and fight this," he noted. Gandhi further said that "HAL is not just a company when India got independence, India built some strategic assets to enter specific areas, HAL is a strategic asset to take India into aerospace. The work you have done for this country is tremendous and the country owes a debt to you". Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy were present during the interaction. Gandhi's interaction is part of his onslaught against the PM Modi government over the Rafale deal in which he has alleged that HAL was overlooked in the offsets contracts with French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, preferring Anil Ambani's company. Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime. The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL. Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. (With inputs from agencies)

Rafale contract is your right: Rahul Gandhi to HAL employees

Congress President Rahul Gandhi meets HAL employees

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday.

Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru.

"HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL &amp; gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL's employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM," the tweet read.

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HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> from HAL &amp; gifting it to Anil Ambani. 
 
Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL’s employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM. <a href="https://t.co/FzfVGZ17Z6">pic.twitter.com/FzfVGZ17Z6</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1050983130536927234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The meeting comes at a time when the Congress party-led opposition is mounting attack on the government over the India-France Rafale deal and the selection of Reliance Defence Limited, instead of HAL, as an offset partner for France's Dassault Aviation.

Gandhi, time and again, has accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of ousting HAL as Rafale's offset partner and choosing Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited to save the company's debt-ridden chairperson and his business.

In his recent campaign in poll-bound Rajasthan, the Congress president also alleged that Prime Minister Modi has "become the Chowkidaar of his friends including Ambani, and not the nation's."

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday. Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday. Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru. "HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL & gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL's employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM," the tweet read. HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL & gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL’s employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM. pic.twitter.com/FzfVGZ17Z6 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 13, 2018 × The meeting comes at a time when the Congress party-led opposition is mounting attack on the government over the India-France Rafale deal and the selection of Reliance Defence Limited, instead of HAL, as an offset partner for France's Dassault Aviation. Gandhi, time and again, has accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of ousting HAL as Rafale's offset partner and choosing Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited to save the company's debt-ridden chairperson and his business. In his recent campaign in poll-bound Rajasthan, the Congress president also alleged that Prime Minister Modi has "become the Chowkidaar of his friends including Ambani, and not the nation's."

Rahul Gandhi to interact with HAL employees today

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