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‘Watchman sold out’, Congress sharpens Rafale attack against Modi (Lead)
New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday raised its Rafale ‘scam’ pich, accusing Prime Minister Modi of sabotaging country’s interest for the sake of his cronies and alleging he fixed a higher benchmark price for the French fighter jets.
A day after the Centre conceded that there was no sovereign guarantee by the French government backing the deal but only a letter of comfort, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took on Modi, saying the “Chowkidar (watchman) has sold out”.
“The latest skeleton to tumble out of the Rafale cupboard: No guarantee by the French government backing the deal. But, our Prime Minister says there’s a letter from the French promising to be faithful! That’s enough to call this a government-to-government deal,” Gandhi tweeted, adding “#BikGayaChowkidar” (watchman sold out).
Congress’ fresh attack comes amid Attorney General K.K. Venugopal admitting before the Supreme Court that there was no sovereign guarantee by the French government backing the deal but only a letter of comfort.
Later in a media conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala questioned why Modi set a higher “benchmark price” and waived the bank guarantee or French government’s sovereign guarantee.
“The Prime Minister enhanced the benchmark price for Rafale by Euro 3 billion (Rs 22,743 crore). Why did he set a higher benchmark price of Euro 8.2 Billion (Rs 62,166 crore) from Euro 5.2 billion (Rs 39,422 )? Why did he waive the sovereign guarantee requirement,” asked Surjewala.
“The Prime Minister has gone as far as sabotaging the nation’s interests in favour of his capitalist cronies,” he said.
The Congress accused Modi of “overruling” then defence minister Manohar Parrikar and the defence acquisition council and “ignoring” the advice of the Law Ministry and the air acquisition wing of the Air Force to insist on a sovereign guarantee from France.
“Parrikar as the head of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and the three armed forces chiefs also didn’t agree and decide on the higher benchmark price of Euro 8.2 billion (Rs 62,166 crore). DAC referred it to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by PM Modi and he in CCS accepted the higher benchmark price,” he said.
“These revelations further expose brazen corrupt practices in Rafale scam. The entire spectrum of deception lies at the doorstep of Modi,” said Surjewala wondering why National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was allowed to negotiate with the French, and not the negotiations committee of IAF and the Defence Ministry.
Reiterating its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)probe, the party said it was the only forum to investigate the acts of “omission, commission and corruption” in the “biggest defence scam” of India.
–IANS
and/prs
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.