BJP must apologize to Manmohan Singh: Sanjay Raut on India TV investigative report

“BJP must apologize to Dr. Singh,” Sanjay Raut said after the CBI submitted its closure report.

Mumbai:

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the Central Bureau of Investigation submitted its closure report in the Air India-Air India merger case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a closure report in its probe into alleged aircraft leasing irregularities at NACIL, a company formed through the merger of Air India and Air India during the UPA era, as there was “no evidence of any wrongdoing” “, officials said Thursday.

NCP leader Praful Patel, who now belongs to the Ajit Pawar-led outfit, was federal in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government when the lease was completed Minister of Civil Aviation.

Talking to reporters, Raut said the BJP had made a fuss over alleged corruption in the civil aviation sector during Manmohan Singh’s tenure as prime minister.

“The BJP must apologize to Dr. Singh,” he said.

National Air India Limited (NACIL) was formed after the merger of Air India and Air India.

The Confederation of British Industry claimed the decision was “disingenuous” and that the aircraft was leased even as procurement plans were underway.

The CBI said in its Financial Report that the leasing decision was taken “in collusion with other unidentified persons for unrelated considerations” and resulted in “monetary benefit” to the private company and consequent “loss to the government exchequer” “.

On the discord between MVA partners ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Raut said there was no dispute between the allies over seat-sharing.

The opposition MVA consists of the Congress Party, Sena Party (UBT) and National Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar).

“On April 3, the MVA leaders’ press conference will be held at Shivalaya, the Sena (UBT) office. Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Congress leaders Nana Patole, Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat will be present,” he said.

Sanjay Raut also said that Thackeray will also participate in the opposition India Bloc rally on March 31 at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, which aims to “safeguard national interests and democracy.”

Opposition parties last week announced a rally after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case related to the excise tax policy.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)