New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar majorly crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ordering the Indian Army to carry out daring surgical strikes against terror launch pads along the Line of Control evoked sharp reactions from the Opposition parties on Wednesday.
Reacting to Parrikar's remarks, Congress said that the BJP dispensation was politicising the issue just for political gains.
Congress leader Manish Tewari commented that Parrikar's conduct was not becoming of a minister.
"Parrikar does not deserve to be the Defence Minister of the country," said Tewari. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was also quick to denounce Parrikar's claim as 'shameful'.
AAP leader Ashutosh that by giving major credit to PM Modi Parrikar was behaving like a small-time leader.
Mr Parikar You should not https://t.co/XVXzHW92VS should apologise for robbing credit from Army for Surgical strike. https://t.co/nGFagO4tdZ
— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) October 12, 2016
It is shameful-Defense minister of the country is not giving credit to Army, politicising it/behaving like a small time leader. https://t.co/3dfhyQbgFK
— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) October 12, 2016
He even accused Parrikar of lying and asked him to tender an apology in this regard.
Also, reacting to Parrikar’s statement, the Samajwadi Party, which has been accusing BJP of politicising the issue, said that the Army operation is being played up in view of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election.
SP leader Gaurav Bhatiya said the Samajwadi Party stood behind PM in national interest but the issue is being politicised now.
"We will not issue any strong condemnation as it will give rise to further animosity. I think for a change we should give full credit to the armed forces and all responsible office holders should abstain from picking such political lines," Bhatiya said.
"SP will still support the Centre in national interest, even if the central government indulges in cheap politics," Bhatiya added.
However, defending Parrikar’s statement, BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said that as the Prime Minister is the man who is heading the government he definitely deserves credit. Pointing out that it’s a futile debate, he questioned that if something happened in UP, will the SP government give credit to the local tehsildars and district administration.
The reactions came shortly after Parikar first said,"The credit must be given to Army." But elaborated further, crediting both the PM and himself for the decision to allow army to carry out the surgical strikes.
"Major share of credit must go to the PM. I will also share the share for decision-making ability and planning," said the Minister.
Earlier on Tuesday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his annual Vijayadashami address, praised the Indian army and the government for taking strong measures in the wake of the Uri terror attack.
"I congratulate our govt and our brave soldiers and all the wings of our armed forces who through an efficient and expert move have given a firm and befitting reply to this attack," he said in a reference to the surgical strikes on terror launchpads which the Indian Army carried out across the LoC.
