Oppn accuses govt of removing photo of Pak Army's surrender to India from Army HQ, walks out

New Delhi: The Opposition staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha on Monday, accusing the government of trying to rewrite history on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which marks the defeat of Pakistani Army in the 1971 Bangladesh war.

Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hit out at the government during Zero Hour, saying that the government had forgotten to even mention Vijay Diwas in the House.

After getting a go-ahead to speak, Priyanka said, "You have now remembered this important occasion? Today is Vijay Diwas when we commemorate the victory of Indian forces over the Pakistani Army in Bangladesh. I want to raise two important issues."


Then presiding officer Sandhya Rai asked the Congress leader to be brief as other Congress MPs protested loudly.

Priyanka then continued, "I want to say that this Modi government is quiet over atrocities against Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. I demand that the government raise this with the Bangladesh government."

The presiding officer once again called the next name on the speaker list while Priyanka's microphone was switched off. Opposition benches erupted again and Rai gave Priyanka a chance to speak again.

The Wayanad MP then accused the government of attempting to rewrite history and downplaying the erstwhile Congress regime's achievements.

"The picture showing the Pakistan Army surrendering to India has been removed from the Army Headquarters. That picture should be put back," said Priyanka.

The painting in question has been replaced with a new artwork titled Karam Kshetra - Field of Deeds inspired by the Mahabharata.

Opposition parties, including Congress, NCP and DMK walked out protesting against the government.