BJP slams Kejriwal, Congress for scepticism on surgical strikes

The BJP on Tuesday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of “belittling” the Armed Forces by seeking proof of the surgical strikes in PoK.

Kejriwal, on his part, responded by asserting that not only did he “salute” Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the strikes, his only motive in asking for disclosure of proof was to “demolish Pakistani’s propaganda” on the strikes. According to Kejriwal, Pakistan is succeeding in an international counter-propaganda on the strikes and India should fight it by publicly disclosing proof of the strikes.

The ruling party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to mount a scathing attack on the Delhi Chief Minister for using “sarcasm” to undermine India’s position. “At a time when the whole nation is speaking in one voice, a Chief Minister has said something that has given Pakistani media and people a chance to question India Army action. There cannot be more painful and unfortunate thing,” said Prasad.

“Politics is different; but at a time like this, sarcasm should not be used to demoralise and humiliate the Army.”

India has been successful in isolating Pakistan politically and diplomatically, but Kejriwal is being guided by Pakistani media reports, Prasad said.’

In a televised speech on Monday, Kejriwal had “saluted” Modi for ordering the surgical strike, but also referred to some international media reports and UN observations, both of which appear to question its authenticity, as he asked the Prime Minister to “unmask the Pakistani propaganda” by releasing proof of the surgical strikes.

He maintained his position, charging the BJP of playing politics. Kejriwal said he supported the PM and the Army and also believed that the strikes took place.

“I have supported the Prime Minister, applauded the army. I only said that Pakistan is spreading false propaganda that the surgical strikes did not happen. We all believe that surgical strikes took place,” Kejriwal said.

“Pakistan is spreading the propaganda across the world, and the international media is saying that the strikes did not take place. If I said that we have to counter Pakistan’s false propaganda, then why is the BJP so rattled and scared? We all have to counter Pakistan’s propaganda and we should all, irrespective of the party, strengthen the PM’s hands in this,” Kejriwal said.

The BJP also accused former Union Minister P Chidambaram, of joining the “bandwagon of creating doubts” by seeking proof of the strikes. The Congress hit back asserting that not only should the PM restrain ministers such as Manohar Parrikar from making “immature and casual statements”, the government should also “call Pakistan’s bluff by using all information”. The principal Opposition party asked the BJP to “not use the sacrifices and bravery of the soldiers for myopic political gains.”

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the Armed Forces at the Indo-Pak border have always been vigilant and carried out surgical strikes, especially on September 1, 2011; July 28, 2013; and January 14, 2014. “But in its maturity, wisdom and in the interest of national security, the Congress government avoided making loud claims for the effective response and action of the Indian Army, which had the full support of the political leadership,” said Surjewala.

“There has never been any reason to doubt the statements of the DGMO on the surgical strike. The government, however, needs to call Pakistan’s bluff and false propaganda by using all information, evidence and instruments at the disposal of the Indian State.”