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Rafale deal: Cong accuses PM Modi of misusing office, causing loss to exchequer, demands FIR

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7 years ago

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Rafale deal

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The Congress today (Wednesday, March 6) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing his office in Rafale deal negotiations to benefit Dassault Aviation and said that a case under the prevention of corruption law is made out against him.

The party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters that the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) to finalise the purchase of the fighter aircraft was sidelined and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval finalised the negotiation at the behest of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The government has rejected the Congress’s charge of corruption in the deal and the ruling BJP has been accusing it of spreading lies to target it.

Surjewala claimed the government bought the fighter aircraft at a much higher rate than what was negotiated by the UPA and also waived bank guarantee.

The Congress allegations came after a report in The Hindu cited documents to say that no bank guarantees in the Rafale deal negotiated by the Modi government made it more expensive.

The government’s claim of buying the 36 aircraft at Rs 59,000 crore is wrong and the INT has put the figure at Rs 64,000 crore, Surjewala claimed, accusing the government of misleading Parliament.

The statement put out by the Congress said the price of 36 Rafale aircraft in the deal finalised by Modi government is far more than the deal for 126 Rafale aircraft that was being negotiated under Congress-UPA Govt.

Alleging that PM Modi misled the Parliament, the statement said the price of 36 Rafale aircraft is €8460 Million (₹63,450  Cr  |  1€=₹75) by Indian Negotiating Team’s (INT) own admission and not €7890 Million (₹59,175 Cr), as claimed by the Modi government, the Congress said.

Further, said the Opposition party, the price of even €8460 Million (₹63,450 Cr) is not the final price of 36 Rafales as it merely takes into account an annual escalation rate (inflation rate) of 1.22% for a period of 5.75 years to arrive at this figure. If the rate climbs higher, India will have to pay even more, the Congress alleged.

The Congress said the Modi government also “deliberately” concealed “the fact that 36 Rafale  aircrafts (sic) would be delivered in 10 years, as per INT and not 5.75 years…”

The Congress said PM Modi did away with ‘Bank Guarantee’ condition to cause a loss to the exchequer.

Moreover, said the Congress, “Neither was the cost of ‘India Specific Enhancements’ included, nor was the cost of ‘Transfer of Technology’ added.”

The Congress said PM  Modi did  away  with the condition  of ‘Bank Guarantee’ to  benefit Dassault  Aviation,  despite  the  written  opposition  of the  Law  Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Defence Ministry. The UPA deal for 126 Aircrafts UPA deal included a ‘Bank Guarantee’ of  €574 Million (₹4305 Cr), but this is missing in the 36 aircraft’s deal. Even the CAG Report admitted that this €574 Million (₹4305 Cr) was a direct benefit to Dassault Aviation.

Coming to the cost of ‘India Specific Enhancements’ worth €1,300 Million (₹9750  Cr), the Congress said this was also not added to the price of 36  aircraft.

In the 126 Rafale aircraft being purchased by Congress-UPA Govt, cost of ‘India Specific Enhancements’ was €11.11 Million (₹83.32  Cr) per  aircraft, Surjewala said. “Shockingly,  despite  the  same  specifications,  cost  of ‘India  Specific  Enhancements’ in  the  36 Rafale aircrafts purchased by Modi Govt went up by 350%  i.e €36.11 (₹270.8Cr) per aircraft,” he said.

Contending that the most expensive component of every defence deal is ‘Transfer of Technology’, Surjewala said that this was missing during the 36 Rafale aircraft purchase. “How can the price of 36 Rafale aircrafts be then higher?” Surjewala asked.

The Congress said that PM Modi held “direct negotiations” to buy the 36 Rafale aircraft, bypassing the INT. It said that the  final  negotiations  were  held  in  France by NSA Ajit Doval on 12th and  13th January,  2016  and  the  final  agreement  was  consequently  signed  on  13th January, 2016.

Alleging that “it is undoubtedly established that Shri Modi misused his office as Prime Minister to  grant undue benefit to Dassault Aviation and caused a loss to public exchequer”, the Congress said this was “a clear cut case”  under the Prevention  of  Corruption  Act and different provisions of Indian  Penal Code.

“Time  has  now  come  to  register  an  FIR  against  PM  Modi and every other individual so that a time-bound investigation takes place in this entire sage of Rafale Corruption reaching the highest echelons of power,” said Surjewala.

Statement Issued by Shri Randeep Singh Surjewala, In-Charge, Communications, AICC

Blatant Loot of Public Money in the Rafale Scam exposed!

Responsibility lies at the door steps of PM Modi. Case should be registered under Prevention of Corruption Act

The report of the Indian Negotiation Team (INT) is now in public domain. It is now crystal clear that the Prime  Minister,  Shri  Narendra  Modi misled the  Parliament  and duped  the  country  to  cover  up the murky  dealings and  blatant corruption, besides, squandering away National Security interests. This conspiracy has now been uncovered.

  1. Price of 36 Rafale Aircrafts is far more than 126 Rafale aircrafts under Congress-UPA Govt. PM Modi misled the Parliament and his Govt looted the nation’s treasury.

Price of 36 Rafale Aircrafts is €8460 Million (₹63,450  Cr  |  1€=₹75) by INT’s own admission and not €7890 Million (₹59,175 Cr), as is being claimed by a fraudulent Modi Government.

There is another dimension to the brazen loot – even €8460 Million (₹63,450 Cr) is not the final price of 36 Rafales as it merely takes into account an annual escalation rate (inflation rate) of1.22% for a period of 5.75 years to arrive at this figure.

However, Modi Govt has surreptitiously hidden the fact that if the escalation rate (inflation rate) in France climbs upto 3.5%, then the Indian Government will be forced to pay  3.5%  more price annually.

The fact  that  36  Rafale  aircrafts  would  be delivered  in  10 years,  as  per INT and not 5.75 years was also deliberately hidden. Even if inflation rate of 1.22% is considered for 10 years, still by then, the price will cross €9,000 Million(₹67,500 Cr).

  1. PM Modi did away with ‘Bank Guarantee’ condition to cause a loss to the exchequer. Neither was the cost of ‘India Specific Enhancements’ included, nor was the cost of ‘Transfer of Technology’ added.
  2. 126 Aircrafts UPA deal included a ‘Bank Guarantee’of €574 Million(₹4305 Cr). Same is missing in the 36 aircraft’s deal. Even the CAG Report admitted that this €574 Million(₹4305 Cr) was a direct benefit to Dassault Aviation. In the Cabinet Committee on  Security,  PM  Modi did  away  with the condition  of ‘Bank Guarantee’ to  benefit Dassault  Aviation,  despite  the  written  opposition  of the  Law  Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Defence Ministry.
  3. Cost of ‘India Specific Enhancements’ worth €1,300 Million. (₹9750 Cr)  was  not  added  to  the price  of  36  aircrafts. Let  it  be  noted  that  in  the  126  Rafale  aircrafts  being  purchased  by  Congress-UPA  Govt,  cost  of ‘India  Specific  Enhancements’ was €11.11 Million (₹83.32  Cr) per  aircraft.

Shockingly,  despite  the  same  specifications,  cost  of ‘India  Specific  Enhancements’ in  the  36 Rafale aircrafts purchased by Modi Govt went up by 350%  i.e €36.11 (₹270.8Cr) per aircraft.

III. ‘Transfer of Technology’ is the most expensive component of every defence deal.  The INT noted that ‘Transfer of Technology’ formed part of price of 126 aircrafts during UPA-Congress purchase and the same was missing during the 36 Rafale aircraft purchase. How can the price of 36 Rafale aircrafts be then higher?

This  means  the  country willpay €10,300 Million for  36  Rafale  aircrafts  under  PM  Modi’s  deal. (₹77,250 Cr) [€9000 Million + €1300 Million]

  1. Bypassing the INT, PM Modi held ‘direct negotiations’ to buy 36 Rafale aircrafts. Proceedings of INT  now  establish  that  the  final  negotiations  were  held  in  France  by  NSA, Shri Ajit Doval  on  12th  and  13th January,  2016  and  the  final  agreement  was  consequently  signed  on  13th January, 2016. This conclusively nails Modi Govt’s white lie!

Responsibility for negotiating the 36 Rafale Aircrafts purchase was that of the ‘Indian Negotiating Team’ (INT)  constituted  by  Ministry  of  Defence  on  12th  May,  2015. But  PM  Modi  was  indulging  in ‘direct negotiation’ with the French, which weakened the credibility of the INT.

Firstly,  PMO  was  holding ‘parallel negotiations’ bypassing the INT, as recorded by none less than the Defence Secretary, Government of India on file on 24.11.2015.But Paragraph 11 of the file notings of the INT clearly states that NSA, Shri Ajit Doval was holding ‘final negotiations’ (on behalf of PM Modi) on 12th& 13th January, 2016 in Paris, France, on the basis of which a decision to purchase 36 Rafale jets was finally sealed on 13thJanuary 2016.

Shri  Doval  was  not part  of  the  Indian Negotiation Team  (INT) and  was  not  even authorized by  the Cabinet Committee on Security  for  the  same. Simple  question  is,  how  is  it  the  domain  of  NSA  to negotiate  and  finalise  a Fighter  Aircrafts  purchase  deal?  Obviously,  the  PMO and  the  NSA  were doing so under direct instructions of PM, Shri Narendra Modi.

It  is  now  crystal  clear  that  blatant  and  massive  corruption  has  taken  place in  the  Rafale  deal. It is undoubtedly established that Shri Modi misused his office as  Prime Minister to  grant undue benefit to Dassault Aviation and caused a loss to public exchequer. This  is  a  clear cut case  under Section  13  (1)  (d)  of  the Prevention  of  Corruption  Act,  1988  and different  provisions  of Indian  Penal  Code. Time  has  now  come  to  register  an  FIR  against  PM  Modi and every other individual so that a time-bound investigation takes place in this entire sage of Rafale Corruption reaching the highest echelons of power.

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Ajit Pawar dismisses speculation on Supriya Sule joining BJP

Ajit Pawar has dismissed speculation about Supriya Sule joining the BJP, calling such rumours exaggerated and stressing that his focus remains on elections and development.

Published

14 hours ago

on

January 12, 2026

By

Ajit Pawar

Amid renewed political speculation around Nationalist Congress Party–Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Supriya Sule’s future, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday dismissed rumours of her joining the BJP, stating that he is “not an astrologer” and prefers to focus on governance and electoral outcomes rather than conjecture.

The remarks came after Sule publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending all-party delegations abroad following Operation Sindoor, triggering fresh political chatter in Maharashtra’s volatile landscape.

Ajit Pawar rejects political speculation

Responding to questions from the media, Ajit Pawar said speculative interpretations are often exaggerated and unnecessarily amplified.

“I am not an astrologer. Such speculative questions often become breaking news without reason. My focus is on development until January 15,” he said, seeking to put an end to the rumours.

On whether there is any possibility of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party coming together, Pawar said the immediate priority is electoral success.

“At present, our top priority is winning the elections. We are working with full effort to ensure a positive outcome,” he said.

On NCP reunification and family ties

Addressing broader questions on a possible reunification between the NCP and NCP-SP, Pawar used a familial analogy, suggesting that unity cannot be ruled out.

“We are one family. In every family, people come together during moments of happiness and sorrow. If family members decide to stand together, there is nothing wrong in that,” he said.

However, he did not indicate any concrete move or timeline for such a reunion.

Thackeray brothers’ reunion and voter behaviour

Commenting on the coming together of the Thackeray brothers, Pawar said the development could have electoral consequences.

“Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS traditionally had different voter bases. With them coming together, vote division could reduce, which may benefit them electorally,” he said.

Pawar clarified that he played no role in facilitating the reunion but welcomed the move, calling it a positive development within a political family.

He also cautioned against assuming uniform voter consolidation, noting that voting behaviour varies across elections.

“Voters think differently in national, state and local elections. The results of the Lok Sabha and subsequent Assembly elections clearly show that,” he added.

On free facilities, local alliances and Mumbai remark

Responding to criticism over promises of free facilities, Pawar said such decisions rest with the Chief Minister at the state level and the Prime Minister at the national level. He added that at the local body level, his experience of over two decades guides his approach.

On alliances involving parties like the NCP, Shiv Sena and AIMIM in local bodies such as the Parli Municipal Corporation, Pawar said such arrangements are common and often finalised locally without involving senior leadership.

He also strongly rejected remarks by a BJP leader claiming Mumbai is not part of Maharashtra.

“Mumbai is in India, and within India, it is in Maharashtra. It will always remain a part of Maharashtra. Such statements are made around elections to draw attention,” Pawar said.

On Bharat Ratna for Sharad Pawar

When asked whether NCP founder Sharad Pawar should be awarded the Bharat Ratna, Ajit Pawar said the decision lies with the Central government.

“Sharad Pawar has served public life for over 60 years and taken many important decisions. Anyone is free to express an opinion, but the final call rests with the Centre,” he said.

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Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remarks on Hindutva spark political backlash from BJP

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comments on Hindutva at a Kolkata debate have triggered sharp reactions from the BJP, escalating the Hinduism versus Hindutva debate.

Published

22 hours ago

on

January 12, 2026

By

manishankar aiyer

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has triggered a political controversy after describing Hindutva as “Hinduism in paranoia” during a public debate in Kolkata, prompting a strong rebuttal from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Aiyar made the remarks at a discussion titled “Hinduism needs protection from Hindutva”, organised by the Calcutta Debating Circle at the Calcutta Club on Sunday. Several political leaders, legal experts, historians and journalists participated in the debate.

Aiyar draws distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva

Speaking at the event, Aiyar argued that Hinduism and Hindutva are fundamentally different, describing Hinduism as a spiritual and civilisational faith, while calling Hindutva a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century.

“Hindutva is Hinduism in paranoia. It asks 80 per cent Hindus to feel threatened by 14 per cent Muslims,” Aiyar said, adding that Hinduism had survived and flourished for thousands of years without the need for what he described as political protection.

He referred to incidents involving attacks by vigilante groups and criticised actions against individuals over religious practices, beef consumption and participation in Christmas celebrations. Aiyar also cited writings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, contrasting them with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, whom he described as proponents of non-violence and inclusivity.

According to Aiyar, “There is no way Gandhi’s or Vivekananda’s Hinduism can be protected or promoted by Savarkar’s Hindutva.”

BJP leaders push back strongly

Aiyar’s comments drew an immediate response from BJP leaders present at the debate and later from party spokespersons.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned the framing of the debate itself, arguing that the term “Hindutva” refers to “Hindu tattva” or the essence of Hindu philosophy. He said that associating Hinduism with the suffix “ism” was misleading and dismissive of India’s indigenous traditions.

“When you cherish Hinduism, it is called Hindutva,” Trivedi said, rejecting the distinction drawn by Aiyar.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Aiyar of repeatedly making remarks that, according to him, insult Sanatan Dharma. He claimed that the comments echoed the Congress party’s broader stance on Hindutva.

Poonawalla also referred to past statements by Congress leaders and said that Hindutva has been defined by the Supreme Court as a “way of life.” He accused the party of attempting to portray Hindutva as violent and divisive.

Political debate intensifies

The exchange has added to the ongoing political debate over the relationship between Hinduism and Hindutva, a subject that has remained contentious in Indian politics. While Aiyar defended his views as ideological and historical critique, BJP leaders framed the remarks as an attack on religious identity.

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Mamata Banerjee says ED raids on I-PAC have politically rejuvenated her

Mamata Banerjee led a protest rally in Kolkata after ED raids linked to I-PAC, saying political attacks only rejuvenate her and accusing the Centre of misusing agencies.

Published

3 days ago

on

January 10, 2026

By

mamta banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday escalated her confrontation with the Centre following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), asserting that political attacks only strengthen her resolve.

Banerjee led a nearly 6-kilometre protest rally in Kolkata, beginning from Jadavpur and ending at Hazra, with senior Trinamool Congress leaders and party workers marching alongside her. Large crowds gathered along the route in a show of support.

Addressing party supporters after the rally, the Trinamool Congress chairperson defended her decision to enter the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain during the ED raids on Thursday, an act that has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and prompted demands for an investigation.

“I did nothing illegal. I went there as the Trinamool Congress chairperson,” Banerjee said, adding that several items had already been taken away by the time she reached the premises.

Allegations of misuse of central agencies

The chief minister accused the Centre of using agencies such as the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation for political purposes. Questioning the intent behind the raids, she said political opponents were attempting to weaken her party ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

“If someone tries to kill me politically, don’t I have the right to defend myself?” she asked.

The ED action against I-PAC is linked to an alleged coal scam. Banerjee claimed that leaders from the BJP were also involved in coal-related irregularities and asserted that she possessed evidence. “I have proof on pen drives. I will release it when the time comes,” she said.

‘Politically rejuvenated and reborn’

Taking a combative tone, Banerjee said repeated attempts to target her had only made her stronger politically. “If someone tries to hit me politically, I get politically rejuvenated and reborn,” she declared.

Referring to recent political developments in other states, she alleged that central agencies had been used to destabilise elected governments elsewhere, adding that similar attempts would fail in West Bengal. She expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive mandate in the 2026 Assembly polls.

BJP hits back

The BJP accused the West Bengal government of corruption and claimed that the chief minister’s actions during the ED raids raised serious questions. Party leaders alleged that Banerjee had intimidated officials and demanded that she be made an accused in the case.

The political confrontation comes hours after several Trinamool Congress MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained by Delhi Police while protesting outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office. Banerjee criticised the detentions, describing the ruling party’s approach to democracy as one that demands “obedience”.

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