Did Rajiv Gandhi Influence the 1977 Boeing Deal?
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Synopsis
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has made explosive allegations suggesting that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi improperly influenced a 1977 aircraft deal with Boeing, disregarding opposition from government bodies. This controversy, rooted in the Emergency period, raises significant questions about political interference and corruption in high-stakes procurement.
Key Takeaways
- Rajiv Gandhi allegedly influenced the 1977 Boeing deal for personal gain.
- The Shah Commission found irregularities in the procurement process.
- Opposition from the Planning Commission and Finance Ministry was reportedly ignored.
- Witness testimonies highlighted political interference.
- Dubey faces scrutiny over his wife's financial growth amidst allegations.
New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Saturday accused former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of having an undue influence on a 1977 aircraft acquisition by Indian Airlines, suggesting he intervened to finalize a deal with Boeing for personal gain rather than selecting Airbus, despite resistance from significant government entities.
In a statement on X, Dubey directly confronted Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, questioning his father's alleged actions.
"Rahul Gandhi ji, was your father looking for a commission in 1977 that led to Air India acquiring three Boeing aircraft instead of Airbus? Did he attend meetings without authority? Did the objections from the Planning Commission and Finance Ministry not apply to your family for the sake of commission?" he questioned.
This controversy dates back to the closing months of the Emergency under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, when Indian Airlines made the decision to purchase three Boeing 737 aircraft.
The Shah Commission, which was established in 1977 to investigate the excesses during the Emergency, later examined the deal. The commission indicated that the process was expedited, bypassing established protocols, and noted irregularities in the decision-making process, including the unexpected presence of Rajiv Gandhi, who was a pilot at Indian Airlines at the time, in official meetings.
The commission found that Rajiv Gandhi attended a pivotal meeting in September 1976, where financial projections favoring Boeing were introduced by the Director of Finance.
It was noted that his involvement was "totally outside the ordinary course of business" and raised concerns about why a pilot would have access to confidential financial discussions.
Dubey shared excerpts from the commission's report, which outlined procedural violations and stated that the deal "broke all standard rules and requirements" without any evidence of comparative trials or feasibility analyses.
The report also indicated that the contract with Boeing was signed even after the company's offer had technically lapsed, implying undue haste and political pressure from the Prime Minister's Office.
The procurement, valued at Rs 30.55 crore, reportedly faced opposition from both the Planning Commission and the Finance Ministry, but was allegedly advanced under directives from Indira Gandhi's office.
Witness testimonies before the Shah Commission highlighted political interference and irregularities surrounding the deal, further intensifying allegations of corruption and misuse of authority.
Earlier on Friday, Dubey made sensational allegations against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, claiming he acted as an agent for a Swedish military firm in the 1970s.
The BJP lawmaker took to social media and shared a document to support his claims.
"Was Rahul Gandhi ji's father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ji, an agent for a Swedish military company, implying he was engaged in brokerage activities in the 70s?" he stated in a post on X.
Dubey's harsh criticism of the Gandhi family and the former Prime Minister came shortly after the Congress party accused his wife of "amassing" wealth beyond their declared income.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, during a press conference on Thursday, referenced election affidavits and questioned the dramatic increase in Dubey's wife's assets from Rs 50 lakh in 2009 to Rs 31.32 crore by 2024.
She indicated that the corruption allegations against him are so severe that the 56-year-old BJP MP could potentially lose his seat in the Godda constituency.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this matter with a commitment to impartiality and integrity. The allegations raised by Nishikant Dubey are serious and warrant thorough examination. While political rivalries often fuel such disputes, it is essential to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency, ensuring that the truth prevails irrespective of political affiliations. The Nation stands firm in its pursuit of unbiased reporting.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against Rajiv Gandhi?
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleges that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi improperly influenced a 1977 aircraft procurement deal with Boeing for personal commission, despite objections from the Planning Commission and Finance Ministry.
What role did the Shah Commission play?
The Shah Commission, established to investigate excesses during the Emergency, scrutinized the Boeing deal and found procedural violations, indicating undue haste and irregularities in the decision-making process.
How has the Congress party responded?
The Congress party has countered with allegations against Dubey and his wife regarding unexplained increases in their declared wealth, suggesting possible corruption on their part.
What is the significance of this controversy?
This controversy raises questions about political influence and corruption in high-profile government procurement processes, potentially impacting the reputations of those involved.
What are the potential consequences for Dubey?
If proven, the allegations could jeopardize Dubey's standing in Parliament and raise serious implications for his political career.
