What's the big deal about the deal?

Oh, the discussions, arguements and counter arguements that are being put forward on the MRSAM deal with Israel. Defence journalists, like those on any other beat are a divided lot but many are unanimous in the view that the news reported by DNA is old news. It may be or it may not, this blog will not take a definitive line on that, as it is outside the scope of this blog, but the deal itself is an important development. And the timing of the deal is very curious too. So the crux of the matter, as Josy Joseph, the author of the series of the articles in DNA, would surely agree, is whether Rs 600 crores have been paid a 'business charges' or not. But strangely this aspect is not being raised in the public fora. Political parties, which in normal course of action, are quick to take-up issues which may be crucial in the run-up to polls, have remained silent on the deal and the alleged pay-off. What could be the reason for this? Why have ther not reacted to the stories which have appeared in DNA and its sister publication, Dainik Bhasker? Is the main opposition party, BJP, too preoccupied with the Varun Gandhi issue and containing the fall out of the Gujarat minister resigning following cancellation of bail by the High Court? Whatever the reason may be, the UPA government must be heaving a sigh of relief that not much muck has been raked regarding the deal. But will it remain so through the election process. As far as I can see it, there will be definitely some attempt by the opposition parties to gain milege from the controversy highlighted by DNA. Some right-leaning journalists are already rubbing their hands in glee in anticipation.