Sharad Pawar: Never supported PM Modi on Rafale deal

Being criticised for supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Rafale deal, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday tried to clarify his statement by saying that he ‘did not support him and will never do that’.  Pawar stated that the Central government should explain to parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs. 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1,600 crore.

The reaction of Pawar came a day after his statement was criticised by the Opposition parties forming an alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. Addressing a party meeting, Pawar said, as quoted by NDTV, “Some people have criticised me, saying that I supported him (PM Modi). But I did not support him and will never (do that).”

He added that his intention was just to ask the Union government to come clean on the Rafale jets deals from France. NCP chief said, “They (the government) bought the aircraft. I am saying with all clarity that the government should explain to parliament why the cost of the aircraft rose from Rs. 650 crore (per plane) to Rs 1,600 crore.”

The veteran leader reiterated his party’s demands for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the Rafale deal. Along with it he also sought PM Modi to disclose the price of the 36 fighter jets.

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