Rahul promises Rafale probe, says 'chowkidar' will be in jail

Claiming that the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar knew there was corruption in Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said the deal would be probed if his party comes to power at the Centre.

Addressing a campaign rally here, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the fighter jet purchase deal, resulting in price increase.

"I am telling you, inquiry will be initiated after elections...and the other chowkidar will be in jail," he said, referring to the prime minister's exhortation to everybody to become a 'chowkidar'.

"The defence ministry document states Narendra Modi changed it (the original contract) and purchased (each) jet for Rs 1,600 crore," Gandhi said.

"The chowkidar committed theft. The then defence minister (late Parrikar), when asked by the media, said I don't know about the new deal, you directly ask Narendra Modi, I don't know about it.

"Because Parrikar knew corruption had taken place and (thought) someone will get trapped," Gandhi said.

Hitting out at industrialist Anil Ambani, Gandhi said Ambani had no money, no expertise in defence manufacturing and all his businesses had failed.

"Despite this, Anil Ambani got the biggest defence contract (under the Rafale deal). His brother saved him from going to jail," he said.

"Why should Anil Ambani get the Rafale contract and why not somebody from Vidarbha (region where the poll rally was held)," Gandhi said.

The Congress leader asserted that he was in politics for the long haul and "here for another 10 to 15 years."