On his first visit to the state capital after being re-nominated to contest the Lok Sabha election from Lucknow, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that it was unfortunate that some opposition parties were questioning the valour of the armed forces and India’s action post-Pulwama terror attack.
“It is history that IAF destroyed terrorist camps after Pulwama terror attack. But it is an irony that some political parties have questioned the surgical strike. They seem more worried than Pakistan. What is more unfortunate is that Pakistan used the statements of these leaders to buttress its point,” Singh said while participating in a series of Holi Milan programmes organised in his parliamentary constituency Lucknow on Sunday.
Without taking the name of Sam Pitroda, Singh said there were some sympathisers of Congress who even asked how may persons were killed in the air strike. “The political parties are raising questions on the courage and valour of our armed forces, which is very unfortunate,” he said, adding that politicians should keep armed forces out of politics.
Singh declared that in coming years, Naxalism would also be wiped out of the country because the government has prepared a full action plan.
“If you bring us back to power, we will end Naxalism also,” he said.
Addressing another Holi Milan programme at KK Palace in Alambagh, Singh said that during the last five years, the face of Lucknow had changed. “Over Rs 24,000 crore has been invested during this period and it has helped in upgrading infrastructure and improving commutation system in Lucknow,” he said.
“Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to make Lucknow a beautiful, world-class city. I have tried to fulfil his dream as in the last five years, as the Lok Sabha MP, I have taken steps to move forward in that direction,” he said.
Singh said he had done what he could do. “Now, it is up to you. I have come with my report card, which I think is very good,” he said.