BJP attacks Kejriwal, Chidambaram for seeking proof of surgical strikes

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram for seeking proof of the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, addressing the media here, said that in such matters the entire country and leaders across party lines are expected to speak in one voice, but Kejriwal's comments were "unfortunate and painful".

"Kejriwal ji is demanding proof to negate the propaganda by the Pakistani media that no surgical strike took place, the government of India should give proof of it. I want to ask him whether he believes in the capabilities of the Indian Army or not," the minister said.

"If he believes in the army's capability, then how could he be affected by the false propaganda of Pakistani media and ask for the proof?" Prasad said.

Prasad also urged the Aam Aadmi Party leader to "keep politics aside, and don't do anything by which our armed forces feel ashamed".

The minister also attacked Chidmabaram and demanded to know if the former Finance Minister's comments were official statement of the Congress party.

Chidmabaram on Monday said it was up to the government to give proof of the surgical strikes conducted on September 28 night in which the army destroyed seven terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

"We would like to ask Sonia Gandhi ji, if that is the official position of the Congress party on this issue? If that is the case, then we would examine it and have some questions to ask from them," Prasad said.

--IANS

mak/py/vt