New Delhi:
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that he totally disagrees with veteran Samajwadi Party Mulayam Singh Yadav’s remarks on Narendra Modi that he should become Prime Minister again. “I disagree with him. But Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji has a role in politics and I respect his opinion,” Gandhi said while addressing media persons at AICC headquarters in the national capital.
“I want to congratulate PM Modi for taking everyone together. I want to say that every member should win again and you (Narendra Modi) become prime minister again. (PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ki koshish ki hai. Main kehna chahta hun ki saare sadaysa phir se jeet kar aayen, aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein),” Mulayam had said in the Parliament.
Gandhi also noted that the CAG report on the Rafale deal does not mention the dissent note by negotiators and said he doesn't think it’s worth the paper it’s written on.
Gandhi's dismissal of the Comptroller and Auditor General report came hours after the paper was tabled in Parliament.
The only reason for the new deal is to give Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, the Congress chief alleged. "The argument given by the prime minister for the new Rafale deal was price and faster delivery. This has been demolished," he said, citing a note by officials.
"You say there was no scam, then why are you afraid of ordering a JPC," he said, reiterating his demand for a joint parliamentary committee to look into the deal.
Here are live updates of the press conference:
According to CAG report, Nirmala Sitharaman lied in the Parliament: Rahul Gandhi
I want to make it clear once again that allegations are being raised against PM Modi that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend Anil Ambani: Rahul Gandhi
I am a leader of opposition and I will continue to raise these issues: Rahul Gandhi
He is worried that Rafale issue will reach to a conclusion: Rahul Gandhi
If there is no scam in the Rafale deal, then agree for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Why is BJP fearing JPC?: Rahul Gandhi
Argument of Prime Minister, Defence Minister & Finance Minister on why a new deal was reqd was -No.1- price & No. 2-Air Force needed planes quickly. The fact of the matter is, the new deal signed by Narendra Modi gets India the aircrafts later than the original deal: Rahul Gandhi
I diagree with him. But Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji has a role in politics and I respect his opinion: Rahul Gandhi on Mulayam Singh Yadav's remark in Lok Sabha
The final price offered by the French govt which is escalation-based is 55.6% above benchmark, which is for firm and fixed price. Considering the future escalation till the time of delivery, final price would further increase: Rahul Gandhi
I want to make it clear once again that allegations are being raised against PM Modi that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend Anil Ambani: Rahul Gandhi
He never talks to media because he has no response: Rahul Gandhi
Here stand demolished, the 2 pillars on which the entire government's argument for the new deal are based. The only reason for the new deal is to give ₹30,000Cr to Anil Ambani: Rahul Gandhi
The final price offered by the French govt which is escalation-based is 55.6% above benchmark, which is for firm and fixed price. Considering the future escalation till the time of delivery, final price would further increase: Rahul Gandhi
The fact of the matter is, the new deal signed by Narendra Modi gets India the aircrafts later than the original deal: Rahul Gandhi
He is worried that Rafale issue will reach to a conclusion: Rahul Gandhi
It's very clear that PM Modi has given money to Anil Ambani: Rahul Gandhi
I am ready to debate on Rafale with PM Modi anytime and anywhere: Rahul Gandhi