While addressing an election rally in Rajasthan, on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, PM Modi took a dig at Congress for being in power during the terror attacks.
Modi while referring to Sonia Gandhi, said “Delhi was ruled by madam … the world was shaken but the Congress was playing how-to-win-election game.”
“I remember the slightest criticism over the attacks used to rile the then ruling party”, Modi said while hitting out at the Congress over its handling of terrorism and Naxalism.
It was a 60-hour terror siege by 10 LeT terrorists on November 26, 2008 which killed 166 people and left hundreds injured.
To this, the Congress struck back by alleging Modi of playing politics on the issue of national security and “compromising” national interest.
Congress chief spokesperson Randep Surjewala said, “Politicizing of national security and sacrifice of our jawans is intrinsic to BJP. The truth is – Modi government has compromised our national security in the last four and a half years. Lack of political action and policy has led to a disquiet border and an alarming internal security situation.”
While expressing solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives, Modi said, “India will never forget 26/11 or its perpetrators. We are looking for an opportunity. The law will take its own course, I assure the people of the country once again.”
Attacking the Congress, PM Modi said,”When my country’s soldiers did surgical strikes in Pakistan, and settled the account with terrorists … and their dead bodies were being hauled away in trucks …”When the country’s soldiers did such a big thing, when they struck the enemy in his own home, wasn’t every Indian proud? Was this not an example of patriotism? … Was this not a saga of bravery?…But in such a time the Congress raised a question — show the video whether surgical strike happened or not. When the
country’s soldier goes with his life in his fist, will he be carrying a video camera? “At that time did they not remember patriotism?”
On terrorists Modi said,” We have fought such a battle against terrorism that they are finding it difficult to come out of Kashmir.”
On Naxalism, he said,“On the one hand, there is terrorism and, on the other, Maoism and Naxalism. They are giving guns in the hands of children and killing innocent people but Congress leaders and close aides of ‘naamdaar’ are calling Naxals revolutionaries and giving them certificates.”