Sam Pitroda raises questions on Air Strike, PM Modi hits back

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning the government's action against Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack to tear into the Opposition, saying they reflect the Congress’ unwillingness to respond to forces of terror.

Indian Overseas Congress chief Pitroda had earlier raised question on the number of death in the air strike last month. His comments invited strong words from other BJP leaders too. “Attacks happen all the time. Attacks happened in Mumbai and we could have reacted and sent our planes but that’s not the right approach according to me,” said Pitroda in a television interview. “That’s not how you deal with the world. Eight people come and do something and you don’t jump on the entire nation. I don’t believe that way.” Talking further about the air strike Pitroda said, “I would like to know little more because I have read in foreign newspapers. What did we really attack? Did we really kill 300 people. I don’t know that and as a citizen I am entitled to know. If I ask it is my duty to ask. That doesn’t mean I am not nationalist.”

However, within an hour of him making the comment PM Modi took to Twitter to criticise Pitroda’s remarks.


“Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians-question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics,” wrote the PM.“Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest!”

Apart from the prime minister, many senior BJP leaders such as finance minister Arun Jaitley, foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, rail minister Piyush Goyal and many others raised a question on Pitroda and-Congress . BJP president Amit Shah also tweeted, “Difference between Opposition and BJP is clear. They suspect our army, we are proud of our army. Their heart beats for terrorists, ours beats for the Tiranga. This election, through the power of your vote, do a surgical strike on the Congress culture.”

Later Pitroda clarified his statement saying that he was not speaking on behalf of the party. “I don't understand what is the controversy here? I am baffled at the response. Shows how people react to trivial matters in India,” Pitroda said. “I just said as a citizen I am entitled to know what happened. I am not talking on behalf of party, just speaking as a citizen. I have right to know, what is wrong in it?” Congress also distanced itself from the comments made by Pitroda. “Expression of opinion by an individual has nothing to do with the opinion of the party, which we have reiterated, repeated umpteennumbers of times and I have said it to you again today,” Congress communication in-charge Randeep Surjewala told media persons in a press conference.