A political battle began over Rafale deal when Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged in the Parliament during the Monsoon Session that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “lied to the nation” about the Rafale deal with France. On Frankly Speaking, Sithraman told Times Now that documents of the “agreement don’t lie” and Rafale is not a scam like Bofors. 
In a counter-attack at the Congress, Sithraman said that Congress is “brazenly lying about the Rafale deal. UPA never concluded an agreement with France.”
She said that the Opposition did not sign any deal with the French and during the UPA regime, squadrons of Indian Air Force were declined and the "UPA left without signing any deal". While clarifying that the NDA government made the deal in a transparent manner, she said, “Congress left Indian Air Force with depleting resources.”

‘Rafale not Bofors’

Nirmala Sitharaman said, “There is no Bofors like scam involved here. This is an inter-governmental deal between the governments of two nation.” She also said that the basic prices of the weaponry have been disclosed, however, since the “matter of security is also a matter of secrecy” the Ministry has revealed, “whatever could be disclosed”.
“Details can be used by our enemies and we cannot violate the agreement and put security at risk,” she added. She said that the deal was signed in 2016. Rebuking the claims of the Opposition, the Defence Minister said the BJP government has shown that the deals “can be made transparently”.
“The desperation of the Opposition is clear. Congress is displaying irresponsibility. The deals can be made without middlemen”, she said. While she said that there is no basis to Congress’ claims that the prices of the Rafale are higher than at the time of UPA government.
While she reiterated that the disclosing the prices may help India’s enemies, she said that “our basic price is 9 per cent cheaper than UPA’s”.

Being first full-time female Defence Minister

Nirmala Sitharaman took charge as the first full-time female Defence Minister of India and she describes it as a very challenging and interesting time. “I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for investing trust in me,” Sitharaman added.
She also said that she has never experienced gender bias.

Aero India Showdown

Amid the political furore, the experts have allegedly confirmed according to the Economic Times, Bengaluru will continue to host Aero India. While there have been rumours about the venue being shifted to Lucknow, Defence Minister Nirmala Sithraman said that no calls have been taken on the venue as of yet.
“Bengaluru has delivered splendid shows,” she said but indicating that the venue may be shifted she said that other states are also aspiring for the show. She added, “Not an inch of Defence land left in Bengaluru.”
Defence Minister’s message to security personnel
Nirmala Sitharaman hailed the martyrs of the nation and said that she is extremely proud of the Indian Forces. The minister said that the security forces are working together perfectly in Jammu and Kashmir and the ceasefire violations are being dealt with “proactively”.
“I will not leave anything to chance. I will ensure our forces are taken care of. I can only say a big thank you,” she said.

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