BJP Owes Manmohan Singh an Apology: Sanjay Raut Reacts to Air India Probe Report

BJP Owes Manmohan Singh

BJP-In light of recent developments regarding the closure report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Air India-Indian Airlines merger case, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has called upon the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to apologize to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The closure report signifies a significant turn in the investigation, indicating the absence of substantial evidence of wrongdoing in the alleged irregularities surrounding the leasing of aircraft by the National Aviation Corporation of India Limited (NACIL), formed through the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines during the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

BJP-The leasing of aircraft under scrutiny occurred during the leadership of Manmohan Singh and under the stewardship of then-Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel. However, with the CBI’s closure report citing a lack of evidence of any malpractice, Raut asserts that the BJP, which had vociferously criticized the alleged corruption during Singh’s tenure, should issue an apology to the former Prime Minister.

BJP-Raut’s statement underscores the complexity and political implications of the case, especially in the context of the ongoing dynamics between various political parties. The merger of Air India and Indian Airlines was a significant decision made during the UPA era, and the allegations of irregularities have been a contentious issue, particularly for opposition parties.

BJP-The CBI’s allegations revolve around the leasing of aircraft during an ongoing acquisition program, suggesting dishonesty and collusion with unidentified entities for personal gains, leading to financial losses for the government. However, with the closure report signaling the lack of substantiated evidence, it raises questions about the initial accusations and the political narrative surrounding them.

Amidst discussions on the Air India probe, Raut also addresses the reported discord among the allies within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Clarifying the situation, Raut asserts that there is no dispute among the MVA partners regarding seat sharing, indicating a united front among the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar.

Further emphasizing the unity within the MVA, Raut announces an upcoming press conference where leaders from the coalition, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and prominent Congress figures, will convene to discuss pertinent issues. This display of unity aims to dispel any speculation about internal rifts within the alliance and to present a cohesive front ahead of the elections.

Additionally, Raut mentions Thackeray’s participation in the opposition INDIA bloc rally scheduled at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. The rally, organized to uphold the country’s interests and democratic principles, gains significance amidst recent events such as the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the excise policy.

The rally serves as a platform for opposition parties to voice their concerns regarding issues of governance, democratic norms, and the rule of law. Thackeray’s participation underscores the broader opposition’s stance against what they perceive as government overreach and misuse of investigative agencies for political vendettas.

In conclusion, Sanjay Raut’s call for the BJP to apologize to Manmohan Singh reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian politics, where allegations and investigations intersect with broader narratives of accountability and responsibility. The closure of the Air India probe, coupled with efforts to showcase unity within the MVA coalition and participation in opposition rallies, underscores the complexities and intricacies of political maneuvering in contemporary India.