Sam Pitroda's remarks on Balakot, 26/11 - latest updates
He also questioned the IAF kill-list of Balakot air strike.
Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Friday asked the government to come out with "more facts" on the Balakot air strikes, and said that he was "baffled" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reaction to his question which he was entitled to ask.Pitroda, chief of Indian Overseas Congress, also said it was good to have a debate, discussion, dialogue and discourse, and it does not amount to questioning anyone.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi, using the hashtag 'Janta Maaf Nahi Karegi' (people will not forgive) in a tweet, attacked Pitroda for reportedly saying he wanted to "know more" about the Balakot air attack, including number of terrorists killed.
Several BJP leaders, including BJP chief Amit Shah, slammed Pitroda for his remarks."All I said is, can we get more facts, that's all. I don't know why this whole confusion... In democracy you are entitled to ask a question. It is good to have a debate, discussion, dialogue, discourse," Pitroda told PTI.
"My asking a question should not create the kind of reaction it has created, even at the level of the prime minister. I am baffled," the technocrat-turned-politician said.
Attacking Pitroda, Modi also said: "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!." He also asserted that he was neither questioning the armed forces as being alleged by the BJP and the prime minister nor the government."I am just saying give me more facts," Pitroda said.
PM Modi's Reaction
Reacting, PM Modi wrote: "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!"
He added: "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces."
Reacting sharpy, BJP's national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused him of handing out a clean chit to Pakistan.
When asked on his views on the airstrike against the Jaish-e-Mohammad camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, he added that international news outlets had an alternate view of the impact of the air strike and that the people of India deserved to know the facts of the Air Force operation.
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