Launching a scathing attack, former Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday questioned the Modi government’s decision of outright purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, contending UPA had delayed the purchase following complaints by senior Bhartiya Janata Party leaders.
Antony, addressing a press conference here, also accused the Modi government of compromising on national security by scaling down defence expenditure and downsizing the Mountain Strike Corps along the border with China.
The Congress veteran also rejected Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s allegations that excessive questioning by Antony had “killed” the Rafale deal.
“Many BJP leaders, including Yashwant Sinha, wrote to me claiming that the selection of L-1 (lowest bidder) was irregular, unjustifiable and undeserving,” Antony said.
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