Rafale deal: Council of ministers briefed to counter opposition's attack

The Union Council of Ministers was on Wednesday briefed by the top security brass briefed through a presentation on how to counter the opposition's attack on the politically charged Rafale aircraft controversy.

The presentation was made in a bid to provide the leaders with facts to counter the allegations of favouritism and corruption being levelled against the government. Photo: File. PIB

NEW DELHI: The Union Council of Ministers was on Wednesday briefed by the top security brass briefed through a presentation on how to counter the opposition's attack on the politically charged Rafale aircraft controversy. The presentation was made in a bid to provide the leaders with facts to counter the allegations of favouritism and corruption being levelled against the government. A senior official said National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Secretary, Defence Production, Ajay Kumar highlighted various aspects of the deal in the meeting, which lasted more than two-and-a-half hours. The ministers were informed that it was a deal between two governments involving no private party, leaving little scope for corruption. The security brass also highlighted the aircraft's capability which would strengthen the Indian Air Force and make the fighter jets an asset for it. The presentation was made before the ministers and BJP leaders, who will reach out to the people all across the country on the achievements of the government under a week-long campaign. After the presentation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to sources, addressed the ministers saying there is need to rech out to people on the Rafale deal as the "Congress is spreading lies". Modi said there is no weight in Congress' allegation on the Rafale deal, sources added. Opposition parties led by the Congress have been attacking the Modi government over the deal, alleging that it was struck at an exorbitant price and benefited an Indian businessman at the cost of the government-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The charges have been denied by the government. (With PTI inputs)