NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai mocked the BJP-led central government on Sunday by holding up a ‘toy plane’, labelled as ‘Rafale’ with lemon and chillies dangling from it.
Rai said that the government “brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them.”
The visual, shown to reporters, featured Rai criticising the Centre following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Rai accused the Union government of making high-profile defence purchases without supporting them with decisive action.
“Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack… But, this government, which talks a lot, says that they will crush terrorists — they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers?” Rai said.
The Congress leader’s comments come amid India’s latest defence acquisition, which includes a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft. The agreement, signed earlier this week, is aimed at strengthening India’s naval strike capabilities.
The Rafale-M jets are equipped for maritime strike, reconnaissance, and air defence roles. The PM Modi government has called the purchase a major step for strengthening national defence.