After former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, now Wikileaks have revealed that his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi was also trying to negotiate aircrafts deal for a British company. Maruti Company, in which Sanjay had major stakes, had managed to get the role of the agent of the British Aircraft Corporation which was trying to sell aircrafts to India, declassified US Embassy cables have revealed.
A cable dated July 7, 1976 stated, “A British Aircraft Corporation team which visited India to compete against Dutch and American suppliers was approached and offered assistance by Maruti, controlled by Sanjay Gandhi.” According to the cables, BAC had replied that “something could certainly be worked out.” The revelation is significant as in 1976, India was planning to buy deep penetration strike aircraft for Air Force and twin jet aircraft for Indian Airlines. BAC was trying to get both contracts.
The US Embassy had sent many cables later to convey that Maruti is negotiating for BAC agency in India. These cables revealed the unholy nexus between politicians and business. Also, the then PM Indira Gandhi’s both sons had tried to negotiate aircraft deals for foreign companies. The Congress, which went ballistic to defend Rajiv a day earlier, remained mum on Sanjay. Party sources said it was a fact that Sanjay had floated Maruti Company, but refused comment.