Congress manufacturing corruption over Rafale deal : Jaitley hits back at Rahul
New Delhi, Jan 2 (IBNS) : Alleging that the Congress was "manufacturing" corruption charges over Rafale deal, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said there is no need for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it after the Supreme Court cleared the government from the accusation of over pricing.
While retorting Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who was earlier denied by the Lok Sabha Speaker to play an audio clip in the House purportedly with the statement of a Goa minister that former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has all the files on the Rs. 58,000 crore deal for French fighter aircraft purchase, Jaitley also counter-charged the previous UPA government with playing with the country's security.
" HAL and Dassault negotiations could not go through. It is essential for national security that the aircraft are supplied at the earliest. When the Supreme Court has gone through pricing and other details, how can there be JPC? This is no policy matter, or govt or administrative matter," Jaitley said.
Denying the allegation of Rahul Gandhi, the Finance Minister said offset was UPA policy under which 30-35 per cent materials had to be bought from India. "Congress is manufacturing corruption charges. Reliance is an offset supplier, Rahul thinks he is Rafale manufacturer. Rafale deal is of Rs 58,000 crore, how can offset deal be Rs 1,30,000 crore ?" he asked.
"Some people have a natural dislike for truth. Each contention of Rahul Gandhi was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Issue raised by a person who does not have basic understanding of aircraft," Jaitley said.
He explained that were escalation costs and there were discussions on cost of basic aircraft and weaponised aircraft. Cost of basic aircraft was 9 per cent less than UPA’s time. Cost of weaponised aircraft was 20 per cent less than UPA’s time and the time of delivery was 11 years during UPA regime.
"We decided on better terms for the Rafale deal. The panels had 74 meetings, the details of which were submitted to the Supreme Court. SC said it is satisfied with the process," he said.
The Finance Minister said a neighbouring country with which India doesn’t have good relations has 400 combat planes. Therefore, the demand for more fighter jets cropped up time and again.
"UPA played with country’s security. When I was defence minister, I had a meeting with Air Force officers. Our enemies have better artillery. Our squadron strength was depleting," Jaitley said.
He said there were six bidders and ultimately Rafale was shortlisted while UPA had postponed Rafale acquisition.
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