New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) The row over Rafale aircraft deal seems to be getting bigger by the day as on Saturday while Congress President Rahul Gandhi used strong word 'thief' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP hit back saying the Gandhi family is the 'janani (mother)' of all corruptions in India.
A visibly anguished and disturbed BJP fielded its vocal Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who said by making such 'baseless allegations' against a Prime Minister known for probity in public life, Mr Gandhi has only rubbed 'black stains' on his own face.
Shortly after the Congress president told a press conference here that - "For the first time probably in Indian history, an ex-French President is calling our Prime Minister a thief", BJP leader Mr Prasad retorted: "Mr Rahul Gandhi, the shameful and irresponsible statement made by you is not being believed by the people of India nor by the world but by leveling the false allegations you have sought to rub black stains on your face".
Mr Prasad said Rahul Gandhi's entire family is involved in a series of corruption cases including Bofors, 2G, Coalgate and Adarsh Housing.
"What can we expect from a man whose entire family was involved in Bofors"...Their chief ministers had to resign, even Manmohan Singh had to face case. Everyone know how slips used to be given for Coal block allocation," the Minister said.
"Today under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is an end to corruption. They are all rattled as doors have been shut on the power brokers. I cannot understand the pain of Rahul Gandhi and company because it hurts them," he said.
BJP leader said contrary to the baseless allegations made by Congress President, Reliance Industries was 'selected' by Dassault Aviation way back in 2012 as a partner for making Rafale aircraft when Congress-led UPA was in power.
"It came in media reports that way back in 2012 there was negotiation with Reliance. In February 2013 it was reported in media much before we came to power in 2014," Mr Prasad said ridiculing why Rahul Gandhi is raising fingers at the NDA regime now.
"There is contemporary evidence available that the proper MoU existed between Reliance and Dassault," the Union Minister said. The Congress and other opposition parties have tried to suggest 'crony capitalism' charge against Prime Minister for allegedly helping Anil Ambani-run Reliance Defence.
In a major development that is being billed as bringing a new twist to the Rafale aircraft row, former French President François Hollande has told a French media said that the decision to choose Anil Ambani's Reliance company as the Indian partner for making aircraft was not a decision taken by the French government.
However, in separate statements in last 24 hours, the French government and Dassault Aviation in separate statements have tried to demolish the contention made by Hollande and said selection of Reliance was only part of a commercial decision.
Earlier in the day, the Congress president said: "We are absolutely convinced that the Prime Minister of India is corrupt....It is now up to the Prime Minister of India to clear his name".
BJP leader Mr Prasad said the Congress leader's allegation is against a "country's popular Prime Minister and a man who is known for probity in public life".
Mr Prasad said the BJP had no better expectation from Rahul Gandhi in his conduct.
"Congress president has attacked Prime Minister, so far no president of a national party has used such words against an incumbent Prime Minister".
The Minister said Mr Gandhi has 'no capability' and is sitting in the top position just because of his family background.
UNI DEVN SHK1920