The Congress on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he criticised the party on issues of terrorism and Naxalism, alleging he was playing politics on matters of national security and had “compromised” the country’s interests.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that lack of political action on the part of the BJP-led central government had led to disquiet at the border and an alarming security situation. He said that “16 major terror strikes” were held on security installations during the last 54 months.
The Congress’ attack came after Modi said at a poll rally in Bhilwara, Rajasthan that the party, which was in power when 26/11 Mumbai attacks took place, had questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan.
Modi said when terrorists struck the country’s financial capital 10 years ago, the country was governed by “madam” through remote control, an oblique reference to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Condemning Modi’s remarks, Surjewala alleged that “one person who played despicable politics during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was Shri Narendra Modi”. “Politicizing of national security and sacrifice of our jawans is intrinsic to BJP. The truth is — Modi Government has compromised our national security and 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,” Surjewala alleged in a statement.