The issue and facts are complicated and involved technicalities and also to be judged by sequence of facts. Hence, to allege corruption or to judge no corruption is not simple. But from what I gathered, the following are undeniable facts: 1. The NDA deal is cheaper that the UPA deal. The price comparison should be done with the fully loaded price agreed by UPA Vs. NDA. UPA's price comprises of basic price + additional pricing for enhancements and fitments. NDA price is an inclusive with fitments and enhancements to the jets. But in my opinion, people trying to compare basic price of UPA and present inclusive price of NDA. This gives an erroneous conclusion that UPA price is cheaper than NDA. 2. The number of Jets of 36 by NDA is not only on commercial prudence but defense exigency. Each squadron of Air Fleet is 18 nos' and hence, 36 will address upgrading of 2 squadrons. This is urgent, because for decades, fleet up-gradation was neglected and national security compromised. Even to get these 36 no's in ready to fly condition, it will take over 18 ~ 24 m 3. The French Government is not willing to give undertaking on delivery schedule. Hence, the modus of fixing the responsibility on some commercial Entity is required to protect the interests of the Indian Government. So the manufacturer of Jets with Indian Partner (ofcourse, technically, this partner is to be approved by Indian Government, which as of now has not been done) will be the entity responsible for the performance, and this will safe guard Indian Interests. In fact, if HAL is made the partner, it is PSU under Defence Ministry and finally, the Government need to bear the performance brunt for a commercial transaction. 4. Apart, undoubtedly, the defence deals are with confidentiality clauses and violation will lead to Soverign reprimands, loos of credibility of the Indian nation....above all, it will endanger the security of the nation by disclosing our capabilities and weaknesses in the fleet to be acquired 5. Former French President François Hollande contradiction the Indian government stating that "We didn't have a choice. We took the partner that was given to us". This is not the French Government stand. It is a former's stand. Assume if the current PM or any Minister declares otherwise in thier personal capacity, whether it should be accepted. I assume that facts can be evaluated as per evolved and speaking documents and statement from Governments and sequence of event. In view of the above, I presume a scam is tried to manufactured to undermine the interests of nation and to gain political advantage in upcomming elections, by fooling public with rhetorics
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