Denying any wrongdoing on the part of the government, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the entire controversy over Rafale deal is useless.
“Controversy over Rafale is useless. Rafale jet is very important for the defence of our country. This subject must not be politicised,” Minister for Road Transport and Highways said on Saturday during India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat show hosted by chairman Rajat Sharma.
“The tender was passed during the UPA regime. And the Rafale price decided at that time did not include any equipment. Now it has a missile which can hit up to 150 km,” Gadkari informed.
The Government of India has nothing to do with Anil Ambani’s company, he further clarified.
When asked why Congress president Rahul Gandhi is linking Ambani with the deal, Gadkari said, “With whom foreign company wants to go for collaboration, it is their choice and government has nothing to do with it.”
“The Rafale deal agreement was done between France government and Indian government. Price was also decided at the highest level," he said.
The government tried for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) but its MD clarified that the company does not have the capability to produce the jets, Gadkari further said.
It is pertinent to mention here that as the Lok Sabha elections 2019 is drawing near Congress party is sharpening its attack on the Modi government on Rafale deal.
Congress party has intensified its attack at the Modi government after former French President Francois Hollande recently claimed that the Indian government suggested a private firm for the offset contract.
Hollande has said that the Indian firm had been suggested by the Indian government for the Rs 30,000 crore offset contract and the French side including Rafale maker Dassault Aviation had "no choice" in it, news agency IANS reported.
WATCH VIDEO: Nitin Gadkari in Aap Ki Adalat: Rafale deal controversy useless, matter should not be politicised
WATCH VIDEO: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Aap Ki Adalat (Full Episode)
