AMN /New Delhi

SHARPENING attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deal for Rafale fighter jets, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, commenting on the government move to start the request for information process for buying 100 more planes, on Saturday alleged that the PM’s decision to buy the 36 Rafale fighter jets in 2015 at a price three times than the price agreed to during UPA rule was so that he could ‘ re-tender contract and favour friends”.

“Modi Scam Alert!
15 Billion $ fighter jet deal re-tendered. PM’s friends race to tie up STRATEGIC partners.
RAFALE, 40,000 Cr loss to exchequer was “Sayonara” money to French, so PM could re-tender contract and favour friends,’ Mr Gandhi tweeted.

Rahul also posted on his social media account a news report which said India is looking to buy more than 100 new fighter jets, as per the Air Force communication in a Request for Information.
The report said the deal was eventually expected to cost upwards of Rs 100,000 crores or about 15 billion dollars.
The government has sent a “request for information” to plane-makers for buying 100 more planes.
The RFI contains information about how the Indian Air Force or IAF plans to shortlist and finalise the fighter jets.

The Congress has alleged that the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets, order for which was placed by PM Modi during his visit to France in 2015 was finalised with the French government at a price much higher than what the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had agreed to in its deal with the France government.