India's Government faced fierce criticism for contracting a "notorious" Bulgarian arms supplier.
According to the Congress, the Government has awarded a Rs. 200 billion tender to Bulgaria's Kintex Share Holding Company. It should supply the Indian Army with AK-47 rifles.
Congress spokesperson stressed on the fact that K.A.S Engineering Limited, allegedly involved in the 1995 Purulia arms drop case, was a sister organisation of Kintex.
He also brought forward the question of why the Government has rejected the bid of Russia's Izhmash Open Joint Stock Company, which actually holds the patent for AK-47. It also offered a price 25% cheaper than that of the Bulgarians.
Kintex has not manufactured AK-47 rifles since 1979, Kabil Sibal said. He suggested the company sourced the arms from underworld gangs.