BJP HITS OUT AT CONG FOR CASTING 'DOUBTS' ON SURGICAL STRIKES

At a poll rally in Haryana, defence minister Rajnath Singh assures that Agniveers will get fair remuneration

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Defence minister Rajnath Singh launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of questioning the Indian Army’s 2016 surgical strikes and misleading the public about the Agniveer Yojana. Speaking at a rally in Kurukshetra ahead of Haryana’s October 5 assembly elections, Singh said the Congress party has repeatedly cast doubts on the military’s efforts and undermined national security.

During his speech, Singh highlighted the significance of the 2016 surgical strikes, which were carried out in response to the deadly terrorist attack on the Uri army base in Jammu and Kashmir. “When our jawans execute surgical strikes and airstrikes, Congress raises questions. They question the bravery of our soldiers. Our army has proven that India can retaliate against terrorism both on this side of the border and across it if necessary,” Singh said, underscoring the military’s capability and readiness.

His remarks come in the context of ongoing political sparring between the BJP and Congress, particularly regarding national security and the military. Singh stated Congress has continuously doubted the surgical strikes and airstrikes conducted by Indian forces, pointing out that such questioning damages the morale of soldiers. “Our army has demonstrated its ability to protect the nation, but the Congress consistently raises unnecessary doubts,” he added.