C'fire violations: Sena slams Modi, Rahul questions PM

Stepping up its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Shiv Sena today said he should focus on taking "firm steps" to stop the escalating ceasefire violations by Pakistan instead of Maharashtra politics.
The BJP's former ally also took a jibe at Modi, noting that one does not need a "56-inch chest" to protect the country's interests but a strong will power even as the Opposition parties including the Congress said government's response was "found wanting".
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi led the party charge in taking on Modi, saying he has done nothing to stop the continued shelling and firing by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir despite "many provocations".

"Before the Lok Sabha polls, Modi used to speak of adopting an aggressive approach towards China and Pakistan. Now, despite so many provocations, the PM is not doing anything for the last three months," Rahul said, addressing his first campaign rally for the October 15 Maharashtra Assembly elections at Mahad in Raigad district.
In its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamna', the Sena claimed that Pakistan has been emboldened by government's failure to take "firm" steps against the cross-border firing and shelling.
Keeping Modi busy in election rallies across the state while he is most needed at the Centre is like undermining the national security of India, it said.

Referring to Modi's extensive campaigning for the BJP, the Sena said, "We can talk about the politics of Maharashtra later as well Modi ji, but for now it is most important that we do not bear the atrocities committed by our neighbour."

"Do you need a 56-inch chest to protect the interests of the nation and to teach Pakistan a lesson for their misdeeds? All you need is a strong will power to give it back to them in the same measure," it said.
"Pakistan is daring to continuously fire on the Indian side because there are no firm steps taken by the Indian government," Sena said.

It added that that it is pity that Indian villagers across the bordering areas have to take shelter in safer places to protect themselves from the onslaught of the Pakistani Rangers.
Samajwadi Party general secretary Naresh Agrawal also took a swipe at Modi and BJP.
"Those whom we considered strong turned out to be weak. Those whom we gave full power, failed to utilise it. We are not able to counter the manner in which a small country like Pakistan is threatening India and engaged in regular firing in our territory.
"We are behaving like cowards and are only giving false threats. Nobody expected this from the Government. The Government has disappointed the nation. Had there been the leadership of Mulayam Singh Yadav in the country, Pakistan would have been given a befitting reply," Agrawal said.

Criticising the Modi government, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi rued that its response is "found wanting.