Former French President François Hollande’s salvo has added a new twist to the intrigue around the Rafale fighter aircraft deal. Instead of clearing the air, some in the BJP have adopted the defence that it is best to paint the Congress as the worst political offenders in terms of corruption. It is absurd for the BJP to take shelter under the plea that a clarification on the price and contract would compromise the nation’s security. While the political heat is understandable, it is also time that the government sheds light on the facts and figures to clear lingering doubts.
Manohar Alembath,
Kannur, Kerala
The mystery has only deepened. One wonders what there is for the government to hide. If the government continues to stonewall efforts to get answers to the crucial point about how the deal was struck, perhaps the time is right for the Supreme Court to intervene and order a probe.
Ismail Mulla,
Kannur, Kerala
State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handled almost every technical collaboration in the past and built a number of fighter aircrafts. It has every sort of infrastructure necessary that has been built up over time and after investing thousands of crores of public money. In comparison, the private sector company “that has been selected” by Dassault is a very new entity.
Even if Dassault “made its own discretionary choice” in choosing its offset partner, it might have been technically prudent for the Defence Ministry to highlight HAL’s expertise. Even at this point of time, it might not be too late to reverse the deal and involve HAL.
R. Sridhar,
Bengaluru
Perhaps those in the know at HAL are maintaining a stoic silence lest they be put to hardship by the ruling dispensation. Meanwhile, powerful corporate figures seem to be having a free run. There is also no Opposition worth its name to keep a check on either the ruling party or the corporate world. Enforcement agencies too are busy going after so-called anti-nationals and ‘urban naxals’. Where are we headed to as the world’s largest democracy?
Varghese George,
Secunderabad
I attach little credence to Mr. Hollande’s remarks. It may make exciting copy for a hungry media in India but makes no sense for those in business. Regardless of who the offset suppliers are, one is certain that Dassault is sure to impose rigid quality control standards so that the final product will clear stringent benchmarks. Dassault is unlikely to sacrifice its reputation to please either India or the Indian industrialist in question. Even if he was recommended to Dassault, I would not hold it against whosoever might have suggested his name as it would enable opportunities for employment in India. There are a few private companies in the defence field and they are sure to have met and be meeting rigid international standards. The Congress’s new-found concern for HAL is only part of a political drama which ignores national interest for party gains.
T.C. Narayan,
Bengaluru
