Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently dismissed allegations against the 36 Rafale jets deal and stated that there can be no comparison between the Bofors guns scam and the procurement of the fighter jets.
She asserted, “Don’t compare it (Rafale deal) with the Bofors. There is no scam here.”
The Congress has been taking constant digs on the government over the Rafale issue and has even dubbed it to be a scam as they alleged that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale jets from France.
A K Antony, who was the defence minister in the UPA government and was part of the previous deal to procure 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) further said, “After our negotiations with Rafale and before moving the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), I had as per the norm approached the finance ministry for financial approval.
"The finance ministry said the lifecycle cost clause in the agreement was a new concept and thus not acceptable to them. Simultaneously, I also received representations from many others, including some responsible then-Opposition (BJP) leaders, objecting to the lifecycle cost clause.
"All this (happened) while IAF was intensifying its push for early acquisition of the fighter jets. As our government’s term was coming to an end, and as I could not have moved directly to the CCS without finance ministry clearance had I, it would have led to a major controversy and, as IAF was pressing for early purchase, I decided to call the files and made a clear noting to the effect that the final proposal must be sent to the CCS only after the dispute over the lifecycle cost clause is settled. So, it was not a case of “taking back the files” but making clear notings on the file on future directions.”
