Why didn't you induct even one Rafale jet during your rule: Mayawati asks PM Modi

Lucknow, Mar 04: Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for saying Rafale jets could have given better results for India in hitting a Jaish camp in Pakistan, BSP chief Mayawati on Monday asked the BJP government at the Centre why not a single Rafale fighter was inducted in the IAF during its rule.

"Rafale fighter could have proven useful in the fight against Pakistan, claims PM Modi in his rallies. Even then not a single Rafale inducted into IAF fleet during his government. Better explain people why this kind of lapse and neglect even by the BJP on the issue of country's safety and security (sic)?" Mayawati said in a tweet.

Last week, after the Indian Air Force struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, about 80 km from the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi said, "Rafale fighters could have delivered even better results". His reference was apparently to the stealth of Rafale, an air-dominance aircraft.

The Indian Air Force had deployed a dozen Mirage-2000 aircraft to hit the target. A Jaish terrorist camp was destroyed and up to 350 terrorists were killed in the air strike on Feb 26, official sources have claimed.

On Sunday, BJP president Amit Shah said "more than 250 terrorists" were killed. Modi had also said the Rafale jet deal was not finalised by the previous government "for vested interests and now an effort is on to hamper it for political reasons."

The first of the 36 Rafale fighters purchased from France is expected to arrive in India by September this year.

PTI