Opposition protests over Rafale deal issue in Lok Sabha

Leaders of Congress, TMC, RJD, NCP and CPI led by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi displayed placards and raised slogans alleging irregularities in the aircraft deal between India and France.

They also demanded setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to look into the allegations of irregularities in the Rafale aircraft deal between India and France. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that a private company was benefited in the deal.

On Thursday, the main opposition party had raised the issue in the Lok Sabha and forced the adjournment of the House. The government has repeatedly denied the allegation of scam in the defence deal.

Meanwhile, Congress members in the Rajya Sabha forced the adjournment of the House till 2.30 pm on the Rafale issue.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad sought a short duration discussion on the issue.

Responding to this, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said the matter could not be raised as a notice on it was not approved by the Chairman. Anand Sharma of the Congress alleged that Prime Minister had bypassed the Cabinet Committee on Security before signing the agreement to procure fighter jets.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel objected to the opposition allegations against the Prime Minister. He described the allegations as baseless and said it is not permitted under the rules.