Will Probe Rafale, Send Chowkidar to Jail If Voted to Power: Rahul

Rahul alleged the Prime Minister changed the fighter jet purchase deal, resulting in a price increase.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi vows to probe Rafale deal if voted to power.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi promised to probe the Rafale deal if it comes to power and vowed to send ‘the chowkidar’ to jail, at a campaign rally in Nagpur on Thursday, 4 April, reported PTI.

Reiterating Congress’ manifesto Rahul said, “After elections, there will be an inquiry. The ‘chowkidar’ will go to jail.”

Rahul alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the fighter jet purchase deal, resulting in price increase. He also claimed that the then-defence minister Manohar Parrikar knew about corruption in the Rafale deal.

“The defence ministry document states Narendra Modi changed it (the original contract) and purchased (each) jet for Rs 1,600 crore. The chowkidar committed theft. The then-defence minister said, he don’t know about the new deal and asked to question Modi directly. Parrikar knew there was corruption.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader

‘Why Did Anil Ambani Get Rafale Contract?’

Hitting out at industrialist Anil Ambani, Rahul said the contract was given to him despite his failed businesses, lack of funds and lack of expertise.

“Anil Ambani got the biggest defence contract. His brother saved him from going to jail,” Rahul said.

Further, he questioned why Anil Ambani got the deal and not someone from Vidarbha, where Modi held the poll rally recently.

The Congress leader asserted that he was in politics for the long haul. “I want to build a long-standing relationship with you. I will not lie. Modi has grown old and is in a hurry, hence he is lying,” Gandhi said.

“The ‘NYAY’ scheme is a surgical strike by Congress on poverty. Every Indian should get a minimum of Rs 12,000 every month.” 

Rahul Gandhi

Talking about the issues that need limelight this election, he said, corruption, unemployment and farmers distress were the priority issues and that Modi should explain what he had done to tackle them in the last five years.

He reiterated his challenge to Modi to take part in a 15-minute open debate on corruption, economy and national security with him.

“He (Modi) will not be able to show his face to you since he knows he can't answer questions. This is the reality,” Gandhi said.

Unemployment in the country has reached a 45-year high, the Congress president claimed.

Polling will be held in Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency in the first phase on 11 April. Union minister Nitin Gadkari of the BJP is pitted against Congress’ Nana Patole.

(With inputs from PTI.)