Congress criticised Parrikar’s felicitation planned over surgical strike

TIL Desk/National/Panji/ Goa congress today criticised the felicitation planned by state BJP unit for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar here over the surgical strikes by the Army in PoK, saying the BJP was trying to “sell” the anti-terror operation to extract political gains. “What is needed is motivating our armed forces and if the BJP wants to felicitate, it must be our brave soldiers. It is time we stop politicising the strikes,” Congress Goa spokesman Sunil Kawathankar said.

“If Parrikar accepts the felicitation, he should also take responsibility and step down when attacks like in Baramullah happen,” he said. The Congress leader said his party had appreciated the government’s stand and even praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parrikar after the surgical strikes.

“But looking at the way the BJP is opening a shop and selling the act (of surgical strike) is disgusting. Why did not the BJP demand Parrikar’s resignation when Uri attack happened after the Pathankot strike? Shouldn’t the Raksha Mantri be held accountable for the lapses?” he questioned. On Sunday, Goa Forward party and ruling ally MGP had also expressed their disapproval with the felicitation function planned here tomorrow. Goa Forward party had said the BJP was misusing the bravery of soldiers for political gains.