Politicisation of Rafale deal not right: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa

The Opposition primarily led by the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi had charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi of pressuring the French to give the offset contract to Anil Ambani’s Reliance, bypassing the public-sector HAL.

Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force Birender Singh Dhanoa. FILE PIC/AFP.

Jodhpur: The NDA government which was reeling with a rash of attacks by the Opposition over Rafale deal got a breather from the Supreme Court which exonerated the government on all three fronts of “decision-making process”, “pricing” and Reliance. The Centre on Wednesday drew support from Air Force chief B S Dhanoa who also believed that matters of national security should be politicised and be of public debate. Speaking to ABP News on the sidelines of an event, the Air Chief Marshal said the apex court has delivered a very significant judgement as the Rafale jets are of vital importance to the Indian Air Force. “The tax-payer has all the right to question about the expenses incurred in the purchasing of defence equipments. But if crucial details of the aircrafts are exposed then the enemy would be notified of the weapon and missile used,” Dhanoa asserted. The Opposition primarily led by the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi had charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi of pressuring the French to give the offset contract to Anil Ambani’s Reliance, bypassing the public-sector HAL. On the issue of offset partner, the Supreme Court bench, also comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and K.M. Joseph, last week said there was no substantial evidence of commercial favouritism to any private entity. The top court said there has been a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without jets. The court said it cannot compel the government to procure 126 or 36 fighter jets. That depends on its decision. Buoyed by the Supreme Court decision's on the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has demanded Rahul Gandhi's resignation as Congress president for spreading lies against the Union government.