CPM alleges manipulation in defence deal

NEW DELHI: The CPM has raised objection to government ���preferring��� private companies over ordnance factories and public sector units for procuring defence vehicles.

Suspecting ���manipulation��� in such deals, the party on Tuesday sought defence minister A K Antony���s intervention to avoid ���sidetracking��� of production facilities of ordnance factories.

Three weeks after demanding a probe into the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles from a private firm ���despite a lower rate��� offered by the ordnance factory Medak, the CPM has now sought clarification about ���depriving��� the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur of an order of 5,500 6x6 high mobility vehicles.