Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi role aircraft deal.
The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said at a rally in Solapur, Maharashtra.
Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.
Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said.
Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly.
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"Should the 'chowkidar' go ahead courageously or not? He never sleeps. However dark it may be, he goes to catch thieves. It is your blessings which gives him the strength to do this and he (chowkidar) will continue undeterred in the fight against graft. He will make them accountable for every paise belonging to the country," Modi thundered at a public rally.
"Those who believed that power was their 'dynastic right' are now in the docks facing various corruption charges, ranging from tax evasion to commissions in defence deals. Our government has stopped all this. They are panicky and trying to scare me," Modi said.
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He said the recently deported James Christian Michel had made many "shocking revelations" and according to media reports he was also lobbying for other companies' fighter jets.
"Now, we have to investigate how the Congress is involved in all this. They are spreading lies about me and trying to scare me, but this is Modi and he is made of different material altogether," Modi said, appealing for public support to his war against corruption.
The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.
This came when Modi launched road and underground sewerage system projects developed at an investment of Rs 1,100 crore in Solapur.
At a public rally in Solapur, Modi launched the four-laning of Solapur-Osmanabad section of NH-211, underground sewerage system and three sewage treatment plants.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1811 crore housing project of 30,000 units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
The housing project will benefit the homeless poor like rag pickers, rickshaw pullers, textile and beedi workers.
While addressing the rally, Modi also said he hoped that bill providing 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education will be passed in Rajya Sabha by members respecting the public opinion.
(With inputs from agencies)
