December 15, 2018: Rafale issue is pushing political mercury up in the State as the Congress and BJP are bracing for a verbal dual. After BJP State president cum CM Biplab Kumar Deb demanded that Rahul Gandhi’s public apology for leveling ‘false’ allegation on the Prime Minister on Rafale deal, Tripura PCC Birajit Sinha countered Deb and argued that the Chief Minister should withdraw his statement on Rahul Gandhi.
“State Congress is strongly demanding that Biplab Deb should withdraw his comment made on All India Congress chief Rahul Gandhi”, Sinha argued and demanded Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into Rafale deal.
Birajit Sinha said, Rahul Gandhi conveyed his opinion on Supreme Court’s verdict and the Rs 30,000 crore scam should be probed by a JPC team. “Anil Ambani – a close associate of the Prime Minister bagged the Rafale deal under duress. The mystery of the deal could be blasted out by a JPC probe”, Sinha claimed and added, “Rahul Gandhi on November 15 pointed out that the Rafale issue was not matter to be tried by the SC, but a JPC probe is necessary”.
It may be noted, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed four petitions seeking court-monitored probe into the purchase of 36 Rafale jet fighters in ready-to-fly condition. Immediately after SC verdict, State BJP held a press conference hailing the SC verdict. Speaking to media, Biplab Deb alleged, Congress launched a vitriolic campaign against BJP and the Prime Minister. Deb further said, Rahul Gandhi should seek public apology for implicating and leveling ‘false’ allegation on PM Narendra Modi of irregularities in purchase of Rafale jets.
Reacting sharply, State Congress rallied behind in Rahul Gandhi’s defense and demanded that Deb should withdraw his comment. Echoing Rahul Gandhi’s demand for JPC probe, Birajit Sinha said, A JPC team should be set up and the team should conduct investigation.
