Sharma attacks BJP over Rafale, demonetisation

Describing demonetisation and Rafale fighter jet deal as "two big scams" that have taken place in the Narendra Modi government, Congress leader Anand Sharma Saturday said his party would probe them if voted back to power.

The senior leader alleged that certain people were benefitted enormously at the expense of the Indian economy due to note ban.

"Two big scams have taken place certainly under this government. Definitely, demonetisation and Rafale jet purchase are the two scams that have to be investigated," he told reporters.

He said the Cabinet was not involved in taking a decision on purchasing Rafale jets, but it was rather a "personal decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Sharma said the Cabinet and the RBI were "held captive" from 4 PM on the day when they were asked to give recommendations on scrapping high value currencies in 2016.

"There was no earlier discussion or decision within the RBI," he said.

"The point is that how come within 48 hours crores of newly printed currency was printed when, after the note ban, only a particular amount was allowed to be withdrawn. This has come to light that currency was printed in advance. So many sting operations have revealed the identity of the people who are caught with money. Money was laundered," he alleged.

Sharma alleged that the poor people suffered the most due to demonetisation.