WikiLeaks’ Revelation: Rajiv’s Name crops up in Aircraft Deal

WikiLeaks revelation once again put the Congress in trouble after it exposed late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in aircraft scandal. According to the findings of the US Embassy cables, Rajiv was a middleman for a Swedish Company before becoming the Prime Minister of India.

The cable claimed that Saab-Scania, the Swedish company, was trying to sell its Viggen fighter aircraft to India during 1970s. And Rajiv was the main Indian negotiator for the aircraft deal. Hence, Gandhi family’s connections were seen as valuable in that deal.

The details information regarding the matter was given by a diplomat in the Swedish Embassy, which claimed that Indira Gandhi’s older son was associated with the aircraft industry as a pilot for Indian Airlines. And it was for the first time, his name was heard as an entrepreneur. However, the British SEPECAT Jaguar won the race.

The Kissinger cables also claimed that the defence minister during the NDA regime George Fernandes had sought CIA funds during the emergency.

Reacting to the revelation, Congress has questioned the credibility of WikiLeaks. However, BJP said that Congress was always involved in dubious defence deals. Since, Gandhi family had played a key role in the deal, Shiv Sena has sought Congress President Sonia’ Gandhi’s explanation in this matter.