Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Oct 13: Former Minister and District Congress president from Kathua, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma has said that not only the Prime Minister but the entire leadership of BJP is answerable to the nation and has to reply the question raised by nation in connection with the Rafale deal.
In a press statement here today, Dr Sharma said that it’s not only question that huge amount is involved, but the national security has been compromised which is a matter of great concern. The basic deal was to purchase 126 aircrafts out of which 18 aircrafts should be delivered to India and remaining 108 were to be manufacture by HAL in India with technology transfer on the cost of Rs 526 crore per aircraft, for raising of two squadrons but the entire deal has been changed to help the debt ridden company of Anil Ambani and only 36 aircrafts have been finalized to purchase.
Dr Sharma further questioned can anybody reply the question of the nation that the Reliance Defence which was established only 10 days before the visit of Prime Minister of India to France, how Anil Ambani come to know about the deal and establish Reliance Defence only 10 days before the change of original deal in which HAL was offset partner earlier which had a long experience of manufacturing and maintenance of aircrafts. Has Prime Minister of India or anybody from PMO informed Anil Ambani to immediately establish Reliance Defense Company. Is it not a breach of trust to the nation for which the Prime Minister while taking oath assured the nation to keep the secrecy of confidential matter of the PMO.
Dr Sharma said that it is a matter of concern for every body how the cost of aircraft with same specification raised from Rs 526 crores to Rs 1670 crores. This is the major question asked by the all National political party as well as every citizen of India and our Prime Minster is silent over the deal, not even a single word is spoken.