Mayawati takes a swipe at PM Modi, says national interest can be ignored for sake of 'chowkidar'

LUCKNOW: Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, BSP President Mayawati on Monday said that honesty, national interest and national security can be compromised and ignored for the sake of the 'chowkidar.'

The BSP supremo made the remarks after The Hindu published an article claiming the Rafale fighter jet deal inked between India and France involved 'major and unprecedented' concessions from Narendra Modi government at the Centre. The article mentioned that critical provisions for anti-corruption penalties and making payments through an escrow account was also dropped days before the signing of the inter-governmental agreement (IGA). 

"Corruption & corrupt defence deal, No problem! Chowkidar is important for the BJP/RSS, not his honesty?" Mayawati asked on Twitter. The BSP chief added that now voters will have to decide as what to do with the "chowkidar and his so-called honesty".

"Corruption, honesty, national interest and national security etc. Everything can be compromised and ignored for the sake of Chowkidar," she added.

Mayawati said that the Prime Minister was addressing political rallies across the country on government expense and he kept on claiming that he is honest.

Experts maintain that Mayawati's decision to rake up Rafale issue sends a signal that the BSP is rethinking its strategy over the ‘role’ of Congress in UP as the political landscape of the Uttar Pradesh might change after the formal entry of Priyanka Gandhi into politics.

(with PTI inputs)