Compared to Indira Gandhi, PM Modi's surgical strike was 'drama': Lalu Yadav

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday said that surgical strike by former prime minister Indira Gandhi separated Pakistan and Bangladesh, whilst the one by Prime Minster Narendra Modi was just a drama.

"The surgical done by Indira Gandhi separated Pakistan and Bangladesh. But Modi's surgical operation was all fake, a drama," he told ANI here.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 71st Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the 2016 surgical strike in his speech and said that when India conducted surgical strikes, the world had to acknowledge its might.

PM Modi said, "The country's security remains our priority; our forces have always proved their mettle."

Lalu also said that the parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) are trying to divide the nation and destroy the brotherhood of India.

"The parties like the BJP and the RSS are trying to divide the nation and destroy the brotherhood of India. The alliance in Jammu and Kashmir failed very badly. Their government has failed everywhere, in Jammu and Kashmir they are not able to handle the situation. Our country is suffering due to their policies," he said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi talked about the heated Kashmir issue where he said that the Kashmir problem will not be solved by abuses or guns and it will be solved by hugging all Kashmiris. "There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists," he added.

Main Independence Day function was held at the Red Fort of the national capital where Prime Minister Modi hoisted the National Flag.

The unfurling of the tri-colour was synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281 Field Regiment (Ceremonial).