BJP takes credit for scrapping of Devas deal

Taking credit for making the government bow in annulling the Antrix-Devas deal, the BJP asked why the deal was given approval in the first place and why the decision to scrap it came so late. HT reports.

Taking credit for making the government bow in annulling the Antrix-Devas deal, the BJP asked why the deal was given approval in the first place and why the decision to scrap it came so late.

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The party also sought to know from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which ‘coalition dharma’ made him stick to PJ Thomas as the choice for central vigilance commissioner (CVC) despite leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj objecting.

“The Centre bowed to opposition and media pressure to cancel the Isro-Devas deal. Space department comes directly under the PM. We want to know why the deal took place first of all despite reservations of the space commission,” said BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain. “Why the seven-month delay even after the decision to annul the deal?” he added.

“Annulment doesn’t lessen the crime of the Centre. We want to know why the deal was done since it has strategic importance. Legal action must follow,” he further added.

Quoting the PM’s referring to coalition compulsions when asked about scams, Hussain wondered why the PM had himself stood by PJ Thomas as the choice for the CVC.