Leaders of 21 Opposition parties met here on Wednesday, condemned the Pulwama attacks and expressed concern over the emerging security situation.

“The parties expressed deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observed that the Prime Minister has not convened an all-party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy,” a joint statement of the parties said. The parties are likely to meet within 10 days to review the situation.

Condemning the “dastardly attacks” by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the Opposition parties paid homage to martyrs and expressed solidarity with the Armed Forces in “crushing the menace of terrorism”.

The leaders also expressed concern over the emerging security situation. “Post the statement from the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), regarding targeting of our military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot. Leaders urged the government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity,” the statement issued after the three-hour-long meeting.

There was a discussion on bringing back the “people’s agenda” such as the agrarian distress, unemployment and price rise, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who initiated the discussion, said the Opposition parties supported every step of the Centre to deal with terrorism.

‘Menace of terrorism’

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the bid by BJP leaders to politicise anti-terrorist attacks carried out by defence forces should be questioned. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also demanded a strong statement against the BJP’s moves to consolidate its political base, based on the developments at the border. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, however, was against criticising the Centre in the statement, but others convinced him that the Opposition must not allow such attempts by the BJP at a time the country is facing the menace of terrorism in a united manner.

No CMP

The Opposition parties are unlikely to draft a common minimum programme (CMP) ahead of the elections. Apart from Yechury, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra also questioned such a move mooted by Banerjee and her Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu.

Yechury said Opposition parties will be contesting one another in West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi and said people will not accept if parties contesting propose a joint manifesto. Yechury’s stand that a CMP is possible only after the election got support from former prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said a CMP will help them in case of a hung Parliament.

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