Never supported anybody in Rafale deal: Pawar on his remarks

MAHARASHTRA: Under flak for allegedly ‘defending’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the controversial Rafale jet deal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar Monday rejected the charge, saying he would “never” do that.

Pawar had caused a flutter with his remarks that he didn’t think that people have doubts about Modi’s intentions in the purchase of fighter jets from France.

Objecting to Pawar’s remark, NCP founder member Tariq Anwar and general secretary Munaf Hakim had quit the party last week.

The statement had come at a time when the Congress has launched a pointed attack on the Prime Minister over the deal and is trying to forge an alliance with the NCP for future polls.

“Some people have criticised me saying I supported him (Modi). I have not supported him. I did not (support Modi) and will never (do that),” Pawar said while addressing a party meeting here in the Marathwada region.

He said, “They (the Government) bought the aircraft. I am saying this clearly that the Government should explain it to  Parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1600 crore”. (AGENCIES)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here