‘Defence minister should step down over Rafale deal’

Mumbai: Congress leaders are going hammer and tongs at the controversial Rafale deal. On Thursday, the party organised a mega march against the deal in Mumbai with the presence of senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sushilkumar Shinde and Ashok Chavan.

Mr Kharge demanded the resignation of the defence minister and the formation of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to investigate the issue. The Congress also said that the issue would be taken to all tehsils of Maharashtra to create awareness about it.

The rally started at Mahalaxmi and ended at August Kranti Maidan.

Addressing party workers, Mr Kharge said, “The Prime Minister has lost his voice. The BJP is scared that it will get exposed now. They are making wild allegations but not uttering a word on two major demands. They are hiding the price of the jets and not revealing why Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was not given a contract in this.” He also said that the defence minister’s silence day after day was exposing her and therefore, she sho-uld immediately step down.

Former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde also slammed the BJP over the Rafale deal. “BJP used to demand JPC on every issue when it was in the opposition. But now its leaders are not uttering a word. They are trying to divert attention with some silly issues. However, it is boomeranging. People are asking for a probe. The BJP will have to accept it,” said Mr Shinde.

MPCC chief Ashok Chavan declared that the party would take this issue to every tehsil.