In a major embarrassment to the government, retired Admiral L. Ramdas on Thursday refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modis claim that the late Rajiv Gandhi and his family had enjoyed a family cruise on the INS Viraat.
In a statement, Admiral Ramdas, who was Chief of Naval Staff then, said the late Prime Minister had gone on an official trip to the Lakshadweep Islands to chair a meeting of the Islands Development Authority (IDA) which is held alternatively between Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands.
There were no parties held on INS Viraat or any of the other four warships accompanying the erstwhile aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy and no foreigners accompanied Rajiv Gandhi nor was current Congress President Rahul Gandhi present then, Admiral Ramdas said.
--IANS
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