Rafale deal: PM Modi says Christian Michel was lobbying for Dassault rival, asks Congress to clarify

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for rivals of Rafale's French manufacturer Dassault in the multi role aircraft deal.

The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said at a rally in Maharashtra's Solapur.

Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.

Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said.

Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly.

The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.