Sharad Pawar's U-turn, says 'didn't support PM Modi on Rafale Deal'

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said he didn't support Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale deal controversy, as reported by the media. Rejecting the charge of defending Modi, Pawar said he would "never" do that.

Pawar's statement came days after Tariq Anwar, a founding member of the NCP, quit from the party and his Lok Sabha seat over former defence minister's reported remarks that that people have no doubts about Modi's intentions in the purchase of fighter jets from France. Objecting to Pawar's remark, NCP general secretary Munaf Hakim also quit the party last week.

"Some people have criticised me saying I supported him (Modi). I have not supported him. I did not (support Modi) and will never (do that)," Pawar was quoted by PTI as saying.

Pawar issued a 'clarification' while addressing a party meeting Maharashtra's Beed.

"They (the government) bought the aircraft. I am saying this clearly that the government should explain it to Parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1600 crore," Pawar said.

The NCP had also said that Pawar was quoted out of context by the media and reiterated the demand for a JPC probe into the Rafale deal.

Pawar's recent comments which was inferred as defence of Modi was welcomed by the BJP and party president Amit Shah.

Shah had grabbed the opportunity by thanking Pawar for "placing national interests above party politics and speaking the truth".

"Dear Rahul Gandhi, you would be wiser by believing your own ally and a leader of Pawar Saheb's stature," Shah said in a mocking tweet.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been calling Modi a "chor" (thief) on the Rafale deal.