'Rafale is your right': Rahul Gandhi meets HAL employees in Bengaluru

In the midst of a massive controversy over Rafale flghter jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid visit to the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. During his visit, the Gandhi scion interacted with some working and retired employees of the aerospace company in the context of not getting offset contract from the Rafale deal. The Congress has been allowed to conduct the meeting for about 90 minutes from 3:30 pm. The interaction is going on in the Square circle where a replica of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, built by HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF), is on display for the public.

Earlier, the Congress president said there was a need to "defend the dignity of India's defenders" as he accused the Narendra Modi government of "snatching" the Rafale offset contract from HAL and "gifting" it to Anil Ambani's company.

"HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL & gifting it to Anil Ambani," the Congress president tweeted. "Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL's employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM," he added.

It’s been a quite long time now that the Congress chief has been attacking the Modi government over the Rs 58000 crore Rafale fighter jet deal alleging corruption and favouritism.

Here are the Highlights:

The Congress has a long history of nurturing HAL into an institution that builds world-class aircraft. We will continue to support this important institution. #RahulGandhiWithHAL pic.twitter.com/oc0Ik7W2tQ

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 13, 2018