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FIR against Modi on Rafale inescapable: Congress, Yechury (Lead)
New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Stepping up the attack on Narendra Modi over the “Rafale scam”, the Congress called for a case of corruption against the Prime Minister for “duping” India, while the CPI-M said a FIR against him was inescapable.
Citing a report of the Indian Negotiation Team (INT), the Congress alleged Modi enriched Rafale maker Dassault Aviation at the cost of the Indian exchequer by waiving the bank guarantee and claimed that the price of the jets under the new deal was far higher than that negotiated during the previous UPA regime.
Addressing the media here, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also claimed that the deal to buy 36 Rafale jets, including its price, was finalised by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval without any authority to do so.
“The corruption and maleficence in the Rafale deal is out in open. Modi misused his office to give benefit to Dassault Aviation and consequently caused loss to public exchequer. Modi did away with bank guarantee, despite the written opposition of the Law Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Defence Ministry,” Surjewala said.
“According to the INT, the price of the 36 jets under the new deal is Rs 63,450 crore and not Rs 59,175 crore, as has been claimed by various BJP ministers and the government.
“Moreover, considering the fact that the jets will be delivered in 10 years and taking into account an inflation rate of 1.22 per cent, the price of the jets will go beyond to Rs 67,500 crore,” he said.
Questioning Doval’s authority to negotiate and finalise the deal, the Congress alleged “blatant and massive corruption” in the Rafale acquisition.
“This is a clear cut case under Section 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and different provisions of Indian Penal Code. Time has now come to register an FIR against PM Modi and every other individual,” the Congress spokesperson added.
The charges came on a day when the Modi government told the Supreme Court that “privileged documents” related to Rafale appearing in the media were stolen from the Defence Ministry.
The government also said it was contemplating a probe under the Official Secrets Act over the “access” to the privileged documents.
The Centre’s contention before the top court came during the hearing on petitions seeking a recall of its December 14 verdict giving a “clean chit” to the government on the purchase of the Rafale jets.
Reacting to the development in the apex court, Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said a first information report (FIR) against Modi was inescapable.
“The Modi government itself admits Rafale documents were stolen from the Ministry of Defence. How can the country’s security be entrusted with this government?
“But thanks to them for confirming the documents. An FIR against Modi is now inescapable,” tweeted Yechury.
–IANS
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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.