Ruckus in Lok Sabha over fighter jet deal

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Friday amid protests both by the opposition and the treasury benches as there was a ruckus over the Rafale fighter jet deal with the Congress demanding a JPC probe and the BJP seeking an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi in the wake of a Supreme Court decision.

Soon after the House reassembled at noon following an earlier adjournment, the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other opposition members trooped near the Speaker’s podium and started sloganeering.

The Congress members were demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe on the defence deal with a French company, while the AIADMK members were protesting on the Cauvery water issue.

The TDP members were demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Amid the din, speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the proceedings and the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018, and the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 were introduced.

Soon after the Bill was introduced, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh rose to his feet and countered the Opposition’s allegation on the Rafale jet deal citing the apex court’s decision.

“For political gains, Rahul Gandhi tried to mislead the nation and tarnish the country’s image globally,” he said during Zero Hour.

“As the Congress itself indulged in corruption, it tries to drag the BJP to counter the charges. With this thought process, they tried to demean the government and tarnish the nation’s international image,” he said.

He also said there was no deficiency in the quality and purchasing process of the 36 Rafale jet fighters in a ready-to-fly condition.

“Rahul Gandhi should come to the House and tender an apology to the nation,” the Minister said amid loud slogans raised by the Congress and other opposition members.

Amid protests, the BJP members were heard raising slogans like “Rahul Gandhi chor hai (Gandhi is the thief)” and “Rahul Gandhi mafi mango (He should apologise)”.