Amid Rafale row, Rahul meets HAL employees in Bengaluru

Amid the Rafale row, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is meeting employees of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru's Cubbon Park. The meeting has begun in front of the HAL corporate headquarters as there is an injunction order to conduct the meeting around 500 metres of the office.The Congress has been alleging that the HAL lost out on the offset deal to Reliance Defence, which was chosen by the NDA government. The Opposition party says had HAL been part of the deal, it would have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in Karnataka.

Rahul concludes his interaction with HAL employees

"I am 100 percent with you and available for you 24 hours to hear from you," says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi apologises HAL employees on behalf of govt

"I am learnt you have hurt from the Rafale deal and I apologise you on behalf of the government," says Rahul Gandhi.

Ex-employee Mahadevan says Defence Minister underestimate capacity of HAL

“HAL is really capable. But Defence Minister says HAL doesn’t have the capacity,” says Mahadevan.

Sirajuddin addresses Rahul as Rajiv to crowd's amusement

“My final request to Rajiv Gandhi...(crowd starts laughing). I’m sorry I’m from that age,” says Sirajuddin.

Sirajuddin also condemn HAL management's advisory circular

"I condemn this HAL management. They issued an advisory circular asking us not to attend this event," says Sirajuddin.

HAL insulted, says Ex-HAL employee Sirajuddin

Sirajuddin: “Please protect our honour. We won’t beg. We’re asking based on our merit. We’re more than capable of making Rafale in India.”Rahul asks him: “Were you surprised when the Centre announced the Rafale deal?”He responds: “Not only surprised, we felt insulted.”

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'PM signs a new deal in France replacing HAL’s role with that of a private company that took birth just 12 days prior' says K N Tripathi

K N Tripathi, former IAF technician and Jharkhand minister: “Previous UPA Govt deal in 2012 had 18 Rafale fighter jets coming immediately and the rest to be assembled in the HAL over 10 years. In 2015, PM signs a new deal in France replacing HAL’s role with that of a private company that took birth just 12 days prior. We want the Centre to give the deal back to HAL.”

Many current HAL employees are among the participants

Congress MLC Rizwan Arshad sets the stage for the event

“We all know the context of this meeting. It’s become a national news. Unfortunately, we’ve reached a stage where we have to discuss the HAL’s contributions. Rahul Gandhi has been fighting HAL’s cause at the national level,” said Arshad.

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In the backdrop of the HAL corporate headquarters, preparations underway for Rahul's interaction with staff of the PSU

KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomes Congress president Rahul Gandhi