On Friday PM Narendra Modi announced that India would buy 36 Rafale jets from France, clearly projecting as his big success in France.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said that the country had finally broken the ice over the deal, which had been in a limbo for the last 17 years. Parrikar also added that the Rafale fighter jets would be inducted into the Indian Air Force over the next two years.
Keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircrafts in India, I have spoken with the (French) President about buying 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition as soon as possible.
– PM Narendra Modi
Yet, even as the top brass of the BJP celebrates the deal, party leader and frequent fly-in-the-ointment, Subramanian Swamy, remains immovable on his promise to take legal action, if the purchase goes through.
There are two major issues with the Rafale aircraft deal which would embarrass the BJP government. The first is that Rafale is a less fuel efficient aircraft and so lacking in essential performance characteristics, that no country in the world has agreed to buy these aircraft. If the Prime Minister for some other ‘compulsion’ goes ahead with the deal, I will have no option but to approach the court in PIL to get it set aside.
– Subramanian Swamy, BJP Leader
The BJP National Secretary Siddharth Nath Singh had strong words in response to Swamy’s comments.
The Prime Minister has taken a decision in national interest and it should be respected. People should restrain from making such comments when he is abroad.
– Siddharth Nath Singh
At the same time, Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu has also stated that the PM’s efforts were in the larger national interest.