The Defence deal scam of Barak missile system is, again, in the news and this time this has become as more bad news for Geaorge Fernandes. The Central Bureau of Investigation has made George Fernandes as an accused in the purchase of Barak missile system from Israel.
CBI alleged that George was paid Rs 2 crore in the Rs-1,500 crore deal of seven Barak anti-missile defence systems from Israel in 2000.
Admiral (Retd.) Sushil Kumar, the then Navy chief and Jaya Jaitley are also made accused in the case by CBI. An FIR was filed in a court in this case on Monday.
However, Fernandes has denied the charges and termed it as conspiracy against him directed by Sonia Gandhi. He said that
the deal was approved before I took the chair of Defence Minister. Indian Navy had insisted the deal and I had taken the advice of A P J Abdul Kalam, who was the scientific advisor to the PM. This is when I took the decision to go for deal. If they are making charge from me, then they should start this with Mr. Kalam.
George has taken money or not, is not a major question in front of people of India, the biggest question is that is this really a politically motivated move.
One thing also has been cleared that defense deals do not happen without the approval of the serving defense minister.
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Action against George Fernandes is seems to be politically motivated. Political equations are taking place rapidly due to UP elections which is going to be next year. George may move with Samajwadi Party leaving Janta Dal (U) in lurch and it would be the hard time for Congress who wants to be in power by hook or crook. One can easily understand the political game.