Prime Minister Narendra Modi incurred the wrath of Opposition parties over the Government’s announcement of Mission Shakti on Wednesday. While the Opposition leaders congratulated the scientists who developed the anti-satellite missile, they took swipe at the PM.
Some of them questioned the timing of the announcement while other wrote to the Election Commission terming Modi’s announcement as violation of the model code of conduct.
However, the EC on Wednesday clarified that issues related to national security and disaster management do not fall under the ambit of the model code of conduct.
Mocking Modi, Congress chief Rahul wished him a “happy World Theatre Day”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BSP Chief Mayawati termed it a gross violation of the model code of conduct. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused Modi of managing free air time to divert attention from real issues.
Meanwhile, claiming that the Government in 2012 did not allow scientists to launch anti-satellite (ASAT) missile despite their having capability, the BJP on Wednesday asserted that India’s deterrence has increased under the “decisive leadership” of Modi which would allow the country to maintain peace in the region.
Describing Mission Shakti as “monumental step”, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said future wars will be different and “our preparation is the biggest safety for us”.
Decrying the Congress and the TMC’s criticism, he said this issue was not related to the BJP but to India.
“Scientists had capability to build anti-satellite missile a decade ago, then Government never gave permission,” said the BJP leader while congratulating Modi whom he described as decisive leader who has changed India’s defence doctrine. Jaitley accused the Congress of lying on the issue.
And as for TMC chief’s criticism, Jaitley said India’s nuclear programme is a continuing programme and cannot be put to halt “if it does not suit West Bengal Chief Minister”.
He said Indian advancement in national security areas would go on “elections or no elections”.
The Congress congratulated ISRO and the Government for acquiring Anti-Satellite missile capability but extended credit to former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, while a senior party leader said the ‘ASAT’ programme was initiated during UPA rule.
Rahul also congratulated the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). “Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work. I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day,” he said on Twitter.
Mamata hit out at Prime Minister saying it was “yet another limitless drama” to “reap political benefits” ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Mamata said there was “no great urgency” of announcing the mission by a Government “past its expiry date” and asserted that it seems to be the “desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat”.
Mamata said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission while CPI (M) Sitaram Yechury has already lodged a complaint to the poll watchdog.
“India’s mission programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research & space organisations,” Mamta said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and “Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything”.
She said “credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers.”
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel credited the United Progressive Alliance Government for initiating the ASAT (Anti-Satellite) programme and lauded then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s leadership.