The Congress has promised to investigate procurement of Rafale fighter jets and several other deals under the BJP government and said it, if voted to power, would enforce anti-corruption laws without discrimination.
The party, in its manifesto for the April-May Lok Sabha election, also said it would investigate the circumstances under which many fraudsters were allowed to leave the country and would take steps to bring them back.
"Congress will enforce anti-corruption laws without discrimination. Congress will cause to be investigated several deals entered into by the BJP government in the last 5 years and, in particular, the Rafale deal," the party said in its manifesto.
"Congress will also investigate the circumstances under which a number of scamsters were allowed to leave the country and will take determined steps to bring them back and face legal proceedings," the party said.
Later at a press conference, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "The Rafale deal deserves to be investigated.
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"The Supreme Court judgement is not the last word on the subject as the Supreme Court has categorically said it is not going into pricing (of aircraft)," he said.
"The court has said it will not go into why 126 aircraft were reduced to 36. It also said 'we are not getting into the choice of offset partner'. So, a number of questions remain unanswered. There will be an inquiry into these aspects as well as larger aspects. What shape that inquiry will take I cannot say now. There are many options
The Congress has alleged corruption and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal and party president Rahul Gandhi has launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of personal "corruption" in the deal.
The government has, however, denied any wrongdoing in the Rafale deal.
Asked about the Election Commission's inquiry into the release of a book on the Rafale "scam", Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Do you need prior permission to write about Rafale."
He alleged the EC action is complete derogation of the freedom of expression.
"We hope the EC takes note and reprimand such an officer in the poll body who is objecting to the release of the book," he said.
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