In an interview to an international newspaper, President Pranab Mukherjee has called the Bofors Scandal, nothing but a media trial.
Days ahead of his Sweden visit, the Indian President in an interview with Peter Wolodarski, Editor-in-Chief of the influential Swedish national daily Dagens Nyhetter (DN) defended the then Congress government at the Centre which faced heat in the Bofors scam.
First of all – it is yet to be to be established that there was a scandal. No Indian court has established it. I was the defence minister of the country long after Bofors, and all my generals certified that this is one of the best guns we are having. Till today, Indian army is using it. The so-called scandal which you talk of, yes, in the media, it was there. There was a media trial. But I’m afraid, let us not be too much carried by publicity.
– President Pranab Mukherjee
He didn’t stop there. President Mukherjee further added that no Indian court gave any decisive verdict on the “media scandal”.
I do not know. I’m not describing it, you’re putting that word. Don’t put that word. What I am saying is that in media it was publicised. But up to now, no Indian court has given any decisive verdict about the alleged scandal.
– President Pranab Mukherjee
Bofors Scandal
The Bofors deal was a $285 million contract between the Indian government and Swedish arms company Bofors, signed for supply of 155mm howitzer field guns in 1986.
Subsequently, Swedish Radio alleged that Bofors paid illegal commissions to top Indian politicians and key defence officials to seal the deal. The scandal contributed to the defeat of Rajiv Gandhi in elections three years later.
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