Why Is the Congress Not Lodging a Complaint Against the BJP Over the Rafale Deal Scam Allegations?
The congress has been vocal and persistent in their allegations of a scam during the Rafale jet deal between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and France. However, a closer look at the evidence and recent developments suggests that these allegations might not hold water. In this article, we will delve into why the Congress is not lodging a complaint against the BJP in court, and what this implies for the future of Indian politics.
Firstly, the Supreme Court of India has already dismissed the possibility of any scam in the Rafale deal. In their judgement, the court stated, 'Complainant has no material to show that the deal is commercial favouritism so there is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the deal. There is a necessity to induct fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without these jets.' This ruling leaves little room for doubt about the legitimacy of the deal.
The Allegations and the Evidence
Some prominent voices from the opposition, such as Arun Shourie, have been vocal in their allegations. However, these claims lack concrete evidence. For instance, the recent attacks on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters, which were aimed at sacking the CBI chief who was probing the Rafale deal, seem suspicious. The timing of these attacks at 1 AM, along with the fact that the CBI head remained in the office for two hours after the attack, raises questions about the motives behind such actions.
The Role of the CBI and Supreme Court
The Supreme Court could not find any evidence to substantiate the allegations against Narendra Modi. This decision is based on a thorough legal and evidentiary analysis. Additionally, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has also reviewed the deal and found no malpractice, providing further support to the government's position. Both the CBI and CAG are independent agencies, and their findings are crucial in determining the validity of the allegations.
Why the Congress Cannot Prove Their Claims
It is evident that the Congress cannot substantiate their false claims in a court of law. Their allegations remain mere propaganda spread through speeches and tweets, where the burden of proof is non-existent. They have filed suits in the Supreme Court, but these suits have also been dismissed as the court has given an 'all clear' to Narendra Modi. The CAG’s audit, being a credible and independent body, has also cleared the government.
Government to Government Agreement
The Rafale deal is a government to government agreement between India and France. Unlike previous instances such as the Bofors scandal, where corrupt practices were admitted by the governments of other countries and punishment followed, the Indian government has faced no such scrutiny. In the Bofors scandal, the Swedish and Italian governments punished their citizens for offering bribes to secure contracts, but India has not held anyone accountable despite similar allegations.
Political Motivation Behind Allegations
It is speculated that the Congress is making these allegations for political reasons. They hope that by perpetuating these false claims, they can sway public opinion and potentially secure votes in the upcoming elections. The Bofors scandal is a prime example of how such allegations can lead to public beliefs without substantial evidence.
Similar to the Bofors scandal, the current situation with the Rafale deal is causing an echo chamber effect. Media outlets and social media platforms often perpetuate these claims without thorough verification, leading the public to believe them uncritically. This misinformation can lead to a polarized society and undermine the credibility of the judiciary and the government.
Conclusion
Despite the persistent allegations, there is no solid evidence to support the claims of a scam in the Rafale deal. The Supreme Court and the CAG have both found the deal to be legitimate, and the political motivations behind these allegations are clear. It is crucial for both the opposition and the government to act responsibly and ensure that all claims are backed by concrete evidence before making accusations in public forums.