Project-75 info leak is a Himalayan blunder, says Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday accused the NDA government of trying to cover up a “Himalayan blunder” after the design plan and specifications of Scorpene submarines under Project-75 were leaked.

The party demanded an inquiry headed by an independent neutral authority of the level of a sitting Supreme Court Judge with officials of the Armed Forces, Naval and Military Intelligence, IB or other specialised agencies as its members.

The principal Opposition questioned how defence minister Manohar Parrikar could give a “clean chit” without conducting any inquiry. The Congress also pointed out that while the Indian establishment is ruling out any leakage from their side, the French company DCNS has hinted that leak may have taken place in India.

The Congress — under attack over the Agusta Westland chopper scam for the last few months — is looking at the opportunity to hit back at the BJP for its failure to secure vital national interest.

“Defence minister Shri Manohar Parrikar cannot brush these issues under the carpet. Responsibility of political executive, bureaucrats and officers need to be affixed for the unprecedented leaks that have harmed national interest irreparably,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

“While India’s security is compromised, the government is trying to underplay the breach of classified data. What’s even more appalling is that entire details have been uploaded online but except indulging in a mutual blame game or underplaying this stunning breach, the Modi government or defence minister has done little. With a coastline of 7,517 km to defend with merely 13 submarines and one nuclear submarine, the government appears to live in denial,” Surjewala alleged.