Rahul criticises PM Modi's mega plan to purchase 110 fighter jets

New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he called a re-tendering of an approximately USD 15 billion fighter jet deal.

Taking to Twitter to mock the Centre, Gandhi speculated that Prime Minister Modi could re-tender the contract and "favour friends" involved with the controversial Rafale deal.

"Modi Scam Alert! 15 Billion $ fighter jet deal re-tendered. PM's friends race to tie up STRATEGIC partners. RAFALE, 40,000 Cr. loss to exchequer was "Sayonara" money to French, so PM could re-tender contract and favour friends," Rahul said in his tweet.

Also read: India opens contest to supply more than 100 fighter jets

The Ministry of Defence on April 6 said India is in process of acquiring 110 fighter aircraft. Reportedly, this is one of the world's biggest military procurement in recent years as it could cost the Indian government a huge USD 15 billion.

"Procurement should have a maximum of 15 per cent aircraft in flyway condition and 85 per cent will be manufactured in India under 'Make in India'," said the Ministry of Defence.

It added that 25 per cent fighter aircraft will be twin seat and 75 per cent single seat.

The Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had earlier signed a deal with France-based Dassault Aviation of France to purchase 36 Rafale jets. This is not the first time that Rahul has alleged corruption in the Rafale deal.

In February, Rahul posed eight questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deal and alleged that the Prime Minister personally went to Paris and changed the deal.