Senior Navy officer rejects PM Modi’s claim, says ‘Gandhi family on-board INS Viraat for official visit’

New Delhi: Retired Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha who led INS Viraat when the Gandhi’s were on board for a vacation to Lakshadweep’s Bangaram Atoll called PM Modi’s statement “incorrect” and alleged that the Gandhi family was on-board for an official visit. Rejecting the reports that foreign visitors and other friends were also present onboard the retired Vice Admiral claimed that no one was present apart from the Gandhi family.

He further said that such events do take place and added that during his Hong Kong visit, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did the same and his grandchildren and children were on board. The retired Vice Admiral also said that the chopper was used just by Sonia and Rajiv but not by Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing a rally in Delhi PM Modi had accused former PM Rajiv Gandhi of using INS Viraat as his “personal taxi” and said that it compromised India’s national security.

“At the time when INS Viraat was positioned for protection of India’s maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Viraat. Was it not a compromise of national security?” asked PM Modi.

The PM also said that even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at the island.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel slammed the BJP for “abusing” Rajiv Gandhi and claimed that the former PM died due to the “hatred” of BJP-backed VP Singh government in 1991.

“Abusing a martyred Prime Minister is the sign of ultimate cowardice. But who is responsible for his assassination? The BJP backed VP Singh government refused to provide him with additional security and left him with one PSO despite credible intelligence inputs and repeated requests,” Patel tweeted.

In another tweet, Patel further said that the former PM is no longer here amongst us to answer the baseless allegations and abuses which are being unleashed on him.

As per the sources, it was due protocol given to Rajeev Gandhi since he was the Prime Minister and various CMs too have come on board various Indian Naval ships along with their family members and stayed.

Some years ago Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandra Babu Naidu too visited on board an Indian Navy vessel along the Eastern coast. His family was there too and as per protocol, security arrangements were made since he was the CM.

Pasricha also said that no party was organised either on the ship or ashore.
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