Congress has hit out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's defense of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the alleged Rafale deal scam and the finance minister's comment that "Public discourse is not a laughter challenge." Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala called the finance minister "Jait-LIE" and said that the alleged Rafale Scam is a ‘Crime Patrol Serial’ involving rampant corruption.

Check the Congress' tweet on Jaitley's comment below:

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday, talking to news agency ANI said that the timing of statement by former French President Francois Hollande on Rafale deal and leaders of the Opposition is not a mere co-incidence. Jaitley also said in the interview that the Rafale deal will not matter in the 2019 general elections. Arun Jaitley Defends Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Rafale Deal, Says Rahul Gandhi is in 'Revenge Mode'.

Jaitley ferociously defended the Rafale deal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the allegations of Opposition and Congress President Rahul Gandhi saying that "there could be a linkage between Congress President Rahul Gandhi's charges on the NDA government and Hollande's statement on Rafale deal." Ex-French President Francois Hollande Calling PM Modi a Thief: Rahul Gandhi Fires Fresh Salvo on Rafale Deal Row.

Talking on Rahul, the finance minister said that "I think he (Rahul Gandhi) is in some kind of a revenge mode. I won't be surprised if the whole thing is being orchestrated. On August 30, why did he (Rahul) tweet "Just wait for a while, some bombs are going to be burst in Paris"? And then what happens is in perfect rhythm with what he predicted," Jaitley said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2018 12:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).