The rising pitch of charges over the Rafale deal has shades of Bofors.
Public perception plays a key role in determining a leader’s longevity in politics. However, unforeseen events can scuttle well-laid-out plans, cutting short political careers and consigning leaders to the margins. If the fickle pattern of the Indian political landscape is anything to go by, politicians and observers will do well to keep a weather-eye on the tussle between the ruling party and the challenger to the prime minister’s chair over the multi-billion dollar Rafale deal.
The moot question: Can the Rafale deal be as potent a scandal for the Modi government as Bofors had been for Rajiv Gandhi in 1987? His son Rahul, who was barely 17 then and now the Congress president, is determined.
“The fun has just begun,” he says, claiming to prove that Modi is not a “chowki dar” (security guard), but a “chor” (thief ). Defence minister Nirmala Seetharaman is alive to the challenge. “We know there is a perception battle. We will fight it,” she says.
Since the Bofors scandal, all major defence contracts have come under scrutiny by political opponents of the government and rival arms suppliers.
With key states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh—going for assembly polls later this year and parties girding their loins for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is determined to generate enough heat over the purchase of the 36 fighter aircraft from France to keep the BJPled Narendra Modi government on the backfoot.
For its part, the BJP dismissed Rahul’s criticism by terming the whole thing as low tactics—a desperate Congress, having failed to form an opposition coalition, looking for partners and allies outside the country. The BJP’s reference was to a former Pakistani minister’s remarks that if Rahul played the Rafale controversy properly, he can be the next premier.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 08, 2018-Ausgabe von Outlook.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 08, 2018-Ausgabe von Outlook.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Pillars of Viksit Bharat 2024
The Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047' represents a complete blueprint for the country’s prosperity during its Amrit Kaal towards attaining resolutions made for Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
Innovation in Healthcare Products
Vatsal Desai pioneering the path to healthier living in a growing India
A Master Weaver of Heart Health
In the intricate tapestry of interventional cardiology, Dr Vashisth Das stands out as a master weaver, deftly navigating the delicate threads of life and technology to mend hearts and restore hope
Viksit Bharat 2047: Empowering India through Education & Self-Reliance
As India approaches 2047, the centenary of its independence, the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” – a fully developed, selfsufficient, and inclusive nation – is steadily turning into reality.
Revolutionising New Age Learning
A visionary leader and an educationist par excellence, GS Patnaik shares with the Outlook Group his approach towards driving Value-based and holistic learning initiatives
Pioneering Social Transformation
Achyuta Samanta dedicated to bringing about social change through education and social services for people at the grassroots level
A Vision for Developed India
The concept of Viksit Bharat” Developed India) embodies the aspiration for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable India. The framework for achieving this ambitious but achievable goal, in my opinion, can be articulated through some key pillars that serve as the foundation for national progress
Chasing Dreams Relentlessly
For the young and aspiring youth, Manu Bhaker is a fine example of how hard work and perseverance can help achieve set targets
Standing Tall as a Pillar in Healthcare Sector
As technology is advancing and there is an upsurge in medical sciences, Yashoda Hospital is keeping up to its promise of providing top tier healthcare services using specialised and advanced medical technologies and equipment.
Upholding/Strengthening India's 'Viksit Bharat' Dreams
Landmark Crafts Pvt. Ltd., Ghaziabad, Delhi-NCR, is a flourishing enterprise where necessity, keen identification of agap and the right timing of launching HP Self-Drilling Screws in 1995, backed by grit, is a perfect recipe of a success story that pioneered an industry. Mr Pankaj Lidoo and MrVipin Lidoo, Directors of the company, hailing from Kashmir, have set their target to achieve India's dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 with visionary zeal