The Rafale fighter jet debate that has been continuing since the beginning of the winter session of parliament is yet again at the centre of a storm in Lok Sabha today. Only two days are left for the Parliament Winter Session to end. In a heated debate in parliament on Friday, punctuated by questions and accusations from the opposition, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave an extensive response that lasted for more than two hours. Attacking the Congress for questioning her and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's integrity, Ms Sitharaman defended the deal for the 36 Rafale fighter planes, signed after the Congress-led contract of 126 jets was scrapped. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had attacked PM Modi and Nirmala Sitharaman on the Rafale issue, saying the prime minister is hiding in his room and cannot answer his questions.
Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day following the uproar in the House over protests by various parties.
