Targetting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rafale scam, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday wondered as to how could one expect Modi to protect the country when he could not keep classified documents in the Government “safe”.
Addressing an election rally at Parbhani in Marathwada region, Pawar said: “Here’s a Prime Minister who cannot keep the classified information safe in his Government. How can you expect Modi to defend or protect the country?”.
Pawar was referring to the submission about the theft of classified documents relating to the Rafale aircraft purchase made by Attorney General KK Venugopal before the Supreme Court during the hearing on a review petition in Rafale aircraft purchase case. (It may be recalled that three days after making submission before the Supreme Court about the theft of Rafale papers, Venugopal had reneged on his earlier claim and said that the petitioners had used “photocopies of the original” papers, deemed secret by the Government).
Pawar also charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi had purchased Rafale aircraft worth Rs 550 each at Rs 1660 crore just to help his industrialist friend Anil Ambani. “We have three government companies that are involved in the aircraft manufacture. Why did the Modi government ensure that Rafale-related contract was given to the Anil Ambani-owned company which has absolutely no experience in the manufacture of aircraft?,” the NCP chief asked.
Coming down heavily on the Modi Government for “politicising” Pulwama terror attack and subsequent IAF air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, Pawar said: “All political parties supported the Government over the stand taken by it in the wake of Pulwama terror attack. Following international pressure, Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan. When India could seek and obtain the release Wing Commander Abhinandan, why did 56-inch chest make a similar attempt to seek the release of Kulbhushan Jadhav?”
Slamming the Modi government for its failure on various fronts, Pawar said that after demonetisation, 15 lakh people lost their jobs. “After the demonetisation, only Modi knows where has the black money gone. We know that more than 15 lakh people lost their jobs. After the introduction of GST, lakhs of traders suffered. ... The Modi government promised adequate price for agriculture produce. Neither did the Government give increased MSP to farmers nor did it waive the farm loans”
Alluding severe drought prevailing in the State, Pawar said: “There is acute shortage of water in drought-hit areas. There are no fodder sheds for cattle. The farmers have been neglected totally. We will not allow this government to remain in power. Let’s throw this BJP government out in the Lok Sabha polls”.