Rajnath Singh slams Congress over criticism of Rafale 'Shastra Puja'

Days after the Opposition created a controversy on 'Shastra Puja' done by the Defence Minister while procuring the Rafale jets from France, Rajnath Singh has slammed the Opposition. Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Shastra Puja was hailed by people from different religions present in France. He said that some leaders in Congress found it problematic but it was recieved well by people present in France. He also added that the Congress party should be happy that the country is becoming stronger.

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Opposition's criticism of Defence Minister's Shastra Puja 

Congrees leader Alka Lamba mocked the 'Shastra Puja' performed by Rajnath Singh on the new Rafale aircraft. On Tuesday, October 8, Alka Lamba took to Twitter and said, "Think now, France made Rafale has not even reached India and the first major success is achieved  by squashing two green lemons and saved India from the eyes of the evil." Slamming the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's puja ceremony during the handing over of India's first Rafale jet, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has questioned why two 'nimbus' (lemons) were placed beneath the aircraft wheels, while addressing a rally in Parabhani, Maharashtra. On Thursday, the NCP chief Sharad Pawar mocked the 'Shashtra Puja' of Rafale aircraft performed by the Defence Minister using lemon and chili. In a shocking remark, Pawar drew a parallel between the union minister and those buying new truck

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Rajnath Singh's Shastra Puja

Meanwhile, in France, after being handed over IAF's first Rafale jet, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, performed a Shastra puja at the Merignac airbase in France. Visuals showed the Defence Minister marking the aircraft with the auspicious symbol - 'Om' with vermillion. Visuals also showed a coconut is placed on the wing of the aircraft and holy turmeric threads tied around the wing of the aircraft. He also placed two 'nimbus' beneath the wheels of the aircraft. This puja was performed on the occasion of Dussehra, marking the end of the Navaratri festival.

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