Yechury for SC-monitored SIT probe

New Delhi, November 15

CPM chief Sitaram Yechury today upped the ante on Rafale deal pitching for a Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe. The party was earlier demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

“A Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe has become necessary in view of new facts coming out over irregularities of the government in clinching the Rafale deal, including its own submission (in the apex court) that there is no sovereign guarantee from the French government, but only letter of comfort that is not legally enforceable,” Yechury said.

He, however, said the party would demand for a JPC probe into the Rafale deal and de-monetisation.

Opposition parties’ strategy is to put an indelible question mark on PM Narendra Modi’s clean public image, which played a decisive role in upstaging Congress-led UPA in the 2014 General Election. On his stand if the Supreme Court did not opt for an SIT probe, Yechury said: “We hope it does.” His party would consider what has to be done after knowing the court’s stand, he said. — TNS