The terror attack in Pathankot triggered a war of words on Tuesday between the ruling BJP and Congress, which demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his unannounced Pakistan visit that preceded the strike.
The BJP, which is also under attack from its own allies, especially the Shiv Sena, lashed out at the Congress for its “shameful” comments that it said would only embolden people with an “anti-national mindset”.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that the Congress chose to question those who were fighting to eliminate terrorism, but not the actions of terrorists.
“For the last few days, the Congress has been speaking in this voice. But it has crossed all limits today. At a time when it should keep in mind the sentiments of the people, it is questioning the martyrdom of our personnel,” said Naqvi.
“What is unfortunate is that it is trying to mislead the country and create confusion on such a sensitive issue, which in a way boosts the morale of people with an anti-national mindset. What it has said is shameful and untrue. Such statements show its irresponsible behaviour on matters of national security,” he said.
Congress’ charge The Congress, meanwhile, fielded senior leader Anand Sharma, who demanded answers from the PM on specific questions related to his sudden visit to Pakistan and the terror strike that occurred within a week of his Lahore meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“Last August, the NSA-level talks were suspended but they subsequently met in Bangkok. The country would like to know what agreement was reached between the two security advisors. What was the assurance given by Pakistan that the PM suddenly decided to go to Lahore? Was he satisfied that the Pakistan Army and the ISI were on board when Nawaz Sharif decided to meet him? The absence of Nasser Khan Janjua from the Lahore deliberations was as clear an indication as any that the security establishment was not on board,” said Anand Sharma.
Sharma said that in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, India had demanded assurances from Pakistan with regard to action on conspirators of the Mumbai strikes.
“What was the assurance given by Pakistan with regard to action on plotters and conspirators of the Mumbai terror strikes, after which the dialogue was resumed? The Nation is in the dark. The only people who know are the PM and his National Security Advisor,” alleged Sharma, who suggested that the PM should call a meeting of opposition leaders and hold consultations on matters related to Pakistan.
BJP responds The BJP responded to the Congress’ charge that the Centre has not disclosed the outcome of engagements with Pakistan, by asserting that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had made a statement in Parliament about this but the Congress “was then busy disrupting it to protect the corruption of one family”, taking a dig at the Gandhi family.
Swaraj, he noted, had made a statement in both the Houses on December 14, in which she spoke at length about recent developments relating to ties between India and Pakistan.
“It has answers to all the questions asked by Congress,” Naqvi said, waving Swaraj’s statement.