NEW DELHI, INDIA — BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over the historic Bofors scandal, describing it as a “dark chapter” in the country’s political history and alleging that key facts were suppressed for years.
Speaking in Delhi, Dubey referred to the revelations made decades ago, stating that on this day, Swedish radio had disclosed that the Bofors deal involved a commission of ₹64 crore paid in connection with the supply of artillery guns to the Indian government. He claimed that the disclosure marked one of the biggest political controversies in India at the time and significantly impacted public trust.
Dubey alleged that the Congress party attempted to conceal details related to the scandal, despite mounting evidence and public scrutiny over the years. According to him, the issue resurfaced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, when legal and financial findings brought renewed attention to the case.
He pointed to a 2010 income tax tribunal judgment, stating that it indicated commissions were indeed received by individuals such as Win Chadha and Ottavio Quattrocchi, who were allegedly linked to the deal. Dubey added that assets worth approximately ₹53 crore belonging to these individuals in India were identified and subsequently deposited into government accounts.
Highlighting the political implications, Dubey said that the Bofors scandal had long been a symbol of corruption in governance and had raised serious questions about transparency and accountability at the highest levels. He asserted that the case continues to hold relevance in contemporary political discourse, especially in debates around integrity in public life.
The BJP leader further stated that more details related to the case would be revealed over time, indicating that the issue remains a subject of political contention. He emphasized that, in his view, the findings and developments over the years confirm that the scandal did take place.
The Bofors controversy, which emerged in the late 1980s, had a profound impact on Indian politics, influencing electoral outcomes and shaping public perception of corruption in government. It remains one of the most discussed defense-related scandals in the country’s history, often referenced in political debates even decades later.
Dubey’s remarks once again bring the spotlight back on the Bofors issue, underscoring how historical controversies continue to influence present-day political narratives and exchanges between major parties.
