Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of neglecting the defense sector and the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) while addressing an election rally in Tumakuru, Karnataka. He claimed that the Congress treated the defense sector as a “club” where their relatives could plunder the nation.
Modi also alleged that Congress leaders tried to mislead HAL employees during the Indian Army’s deployment on the border a few years ago. However, he said that the Congress is not even mentioning HAL now, as the company has achieved a record profit for the first time since its inception.
Modi stated that during Congress rule, no defense deal happened “without commission.” In contrast, the BJP government is setting up modern defense factories and strengthening the Indian Army. He emphasized the need for a “double engine” government, with the same party in power at the Centre and in the state, citing the example of the HAL helicopter factory in Tumakuru, which is now shining on the world map.
The Prime Minister claimed that the Congress always wanted India to depend on imported products, whereas the BJP is promoting the “Made in India” system for the Indian armed forces. Modi further stated that the HAL was previously unable to make a profit due to theft, but after he came to power, the state-run entity started registering profits.
The allegations come amid a political controversy surrounding the Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France. The Congress party has accused the government of irregularities in the deal and claimed that HAL was overlooked in favor of a private company. However, the government has denied the allegations, stating that HAL was unable to fulfill the requirements of the Indian Air Force.
The upcoming state elections in Karnataka have intensified the political rhetoric in the region. While the BJP is highlighting its achievements in the defense sector, the Congress is targeting the government over issues such as job creation, agriculture, and healthcare.