Lok Sabha set to debate Rafale deal today

In the Lok Sabha, there is likely to be a debate on Rafale deal today as the Congress has accepted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's challenge.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Opposition leader in Lower House of Parliament, urged Speaker Lok Sabha to decide a time for the debate on January 2.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Kharge should begin the discussion on the issue immediately and asserted that the government was ready to give a reply.

Attacking Congress, Arun Jaitley added that the party "running away" from debate in parliament, after which Mallikarjun Kharge said the party accepts the challenge.

The Congress party has repeatedly made the demand ever since the beginning of Parliament Winter Session last month.
The Rafale issue continues to be a bone of contention between the government and the Opposition, even after the Supreme Court verdict.

The Supreme Court last month had dismissed all petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged irregulates in what the opposition parties call the biggest defence scam in the country.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said there was no case of commercial favouritism in Reliance as offset partner for Rafale deal.