Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has demanded an apology from the BJP for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filing a closure report in the Air India-Indian Airlines merger case.
According to officials on Thursday, the CBI concluded its investigation into alleged irregularities in aircraft leasing by NACIL, a company formed from the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines during the UPA era, citing a lack of evidence of any wrongdoing.
During the UPA government, NCP leader Praful Patel, now associated with Ajit Pawar's faction, served as the Union Civil Aviation Minister during the leasing arrangements.
Speaking to reporters, Raut highlighted the BJP's previous criticism of alleged corruption in the civil aviation sector during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister.
"The BJP must apologise to Dr Singh," he said.
Following the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines, the National Aviation Corporation of India Limited (NACIL) was established.
According to the CBI, the decision to lease aircraft was purportedly made "dishonestly" despite an ongoing acquisition program.
The leasing decision was taken "in conspiracy with other unknown persons on extraneous considerations" that resulted in "pecuniary benefit" to private companies and consequent "loss to the government exchequer," the CBI had alleged in its FIR.
Regarding the purported discord among MVA partners ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Raut clarified that there is no disagreement among the allies regarding seat sharing.
The opposition coalition MVA consists of the Congress, Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
"On April 3, a press conference of MVA leaders will be held at Shivalaya, the Sena (UBT) office. Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Congress leaders Nana Patole, Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat will be present," he said.
Sanjay Raut further mentioned that Thackeray will also participate in the opposition INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on March 31. The rally aims to "protect the country's interests and democracy."
The opposition parties scheduled the rally last week in response to the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy.
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