A former PM lacked courage to conduct surgical strike post 26/11: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, citing an incident, said a former prime minister did not show the courage to carry out surgical strike after 26/11 Mumbai attacks, apparently alluding to senior Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh.

The Mumbai attacks in 2008 had lasted over four days, killing and injuring hundreds. Several places were targetted, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Hotel at the Gateway of India, Cafe Leopold, Rang Bhavan Lane near Cama Hospital and St Xavier's College.

"Someone who served at a high position in our Air Force has said that after 26/11, they went to the then prime minister with a plan for surgical strikes. Sadly, the then government did not show the courage to do that. When we were attacked in Uri, see how we answered the terrorists," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing a public gathering here.

Prime Minister Modi-led Central Government had, in the aftermath of the Uri attack by Pakistan, launched a surgical strike on the neighbouring nation in September, 2016.

Meanwhile, continuing his tirade at the Congress party, the prime minister said, "Why were the Congress governments rejected in various states? Because they were not delivering on people's aspirations."

He also stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had transformed the education sector in Gujarat, adding the party had waged a strong battle against corruption and black money.

"We are focussing on padhai (education) for students, kamai (employment) for the youth and davai (medical facilities) for the elderly. We have transformed the education sector in Gujarat," he added.

The prime minister further said, "Since, the BJP has formed the government in Gujarat, the state has been ahead in employment opportunities. Parts of Gujarat have drawn people from all parts of the country."

The two-phase Gujarat assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.