'What if not Om?' asks Rajnath Singh to Rahul Gandhi on Rafale attack

After facing backlash from opposition over Rafale 'Shastra Puja' row, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi what he should have written on fighter jet if t 'Om'. Singh has been on offensive during election rallies where he has heavily criticised Congress party leaders who have blamed him for indulging in atrics during his visit to France.

Singh goes after Gandhi

Addressing an election rally in Bhiwani, Haryana, Singh said, "Worshiping weapons during Vijayadashami is a tradition. When I wrote 'Om' on Rafale jet, people said why I wrote it. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi if t 'Om', n what should I have written during 'Shastra Puja'?" During his visit to France earlier this week, Rajnath had emblazoned Rafale fighter jet with an 'Om' and laid flowers, coconut, and lemons, believed to ward off evil eye. ceremony coincided with foundation ceremony of IAF. Defence Minister even took a sortie in Rafale jet.

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Singh received flak from Opposition with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described him performing 'Shastra Puja' as "tamasha" (drama). Party leader Udit Raj also raised objections to it saying that day "superstition" ends, India will make such fighter aircraft itself. Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "This is a government of dramatics. You are going to France and performing puja, wasn't Rafale jet coming to India? You are going to a foreign country and doing all this drama."

READ | Rajnath Singh Slams Congress Over Criticism Of Rafale 'Shastra Puja'

'BJP's guilt in Rafale deal'

At an event in Maharashtra a few days ago, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi once again accused government of irregularities in Rafale deal and said that it's was government's guilt which made have Rajnath Singh personally take delivery. He said, " \Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "This is a government of dramatics. You are going to France and performing puja, wasn't Rafale jet coming to India? You are going to a foreign country and doing all this drama. re has been some guilt in minds of BJP leaders that y have made a mistake in Rafale deal. Even Defence officials had claimed that PM Narendra Modi is interfering in Rafale fighter jet deal. one can run away from this truth, neir Narendra Modi, r Amit Shah or BJP. truth will catch m one day

Assembly elections are due to be held in state on October 21. Counting of votes will take place on October 24. 

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(With inputs from ANI)