Comparing Army’s surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Israel’s exploits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Indian forces have shown they are no less than anybody.
"Our Army’s valour is being discussed across the country these days. We used to hear earlier that Israel has done this. The nation has seen that Indian Army is no less than anybody," he said.
Israel is known for its targeted covert operations against enemy countries and militant outfits in Arab countries and also several parts of the world.
Modi was speaking at a rally in Mandi where he inaugurated three hydro-electric projects — Kol Dam Hydro project, Parbati Hydel Project and Rampur Hydro Project by pressing the button from the Padal Stadium. On the occasion, Modi also said besides harnessing the potential of hydel power the Centre had drawn up an ambitious plan to harness the solar energy also all over the country and many big players from public and private sector had come forward.
The issue of surgical strikes has snowballed into a political row with the opposition accusing the BJP and its government of "milking" it for political benefits. The charge has been rejected by BJP which has insisted that it is taking the issue to the masses to boost the army’s morale and highlight the strong political will of the Prime Minister.
"It is a proud moment not only for the army but also for all ex-servicemen and countrymen and my hundred salutes to Army for their valour and courage," the PM said.
Underscoring his commitment to the welfare of armed forces, Modi said his Government had fulfilled its promise of ‘One-Rank, One-Pension’ for ex-servicemen, an issue which he said had been hanging fire for over 40 years.
Previous Governments, he said, duped the people by making tall claims and some of them even allocated Rs 200 crore-500 crore in this regard but never did an analysis of cost burden and how it could be executed.
"I did it and was puzzled to find that the economic burden kept rising. It worked to be more than Rs 10,000 crore," he said, adding that it was difficult for any Government to make such a big allocation in one go.
Modi said he spoke to armed forces and offered to release the money in four installments to which they agreed.
"Over Rs 5,500 crore in first installment has been given. The rest will be too. A promise hanging fire for the last 40 years has been fulfilled," he said.
On his maiden visit to Himachal Pradesh after becoming the Prime Minister, Modi also targeted Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh where elections are due late next year. Speaking at the ‘Parivartan Rally’, he said BJP Chief Ministers dedicated themselves to causes like drinking water and roads while the Congress leader was concerned about his own welfare.
"Do I need to explain what the current Chief Minister is known forIJ" he said and then added, "When the BJP gave Chief Ministers, somebody dedicated himself to water, somebody to roads but when others came they dedicated so many things for their personal welfare," he said.
The BJP has accused Singh of being involved in corruption but the Congress leader has rejected the charges and claimed that he was a victim of "political vendetta".