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The BJP alleged that the opposition Congress has insulted the defence forces citing a reported statement by Sam Pitroda, president of Indian Overseas Congress, that air strikes are not the way to deal with terrorism.
Leading the tirade against Pitroda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said such remarks by the Opposition suggest that the Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. “Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew — the Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. This is a New India — we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest!” Modi tweeted.
Pitroda had said that the UPA government could have sent its planes to Pakistan after the Mumbai terrorist attacks, but it did not do so because it was “not the right approach”. “I am just saying give me more facts,” Pitroda later said, responding to Modi’s tweets.
In reponse, the Congress urged Modi to stop targeting the Opposition based on comments by individual leaders. “Whether it is Pitroda or any individual, such comments may be their personal opinion and the Congress has nothing to do with them,” Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said. “The truth is that Modi is hiding behind the valour and bravery of our Army and Air Force, and is playing politics on the opinion of an individual leader, which is his personal opinion and not of the party. He is playing such politics as he does not wish to reply to the charges of corruption against him and his government,” Surjewala added.
BJP president Amit Shah said the difference between the Opposition and the BJP is clear. “They suspect our army and we are proud of our army. Their heart beats for terrorists. Ours beats for the Tiranga. This election, through the power of your vote, do a surgical strike on the Congress culture,” he tweeted.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Pitroda’s remark was unfortunate. “To say the Pulwama attack was self-engineered is a blessing for Pakistan’s narrative,” he added.
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