Opposition joint statement good news for Pakistan, says BJP

Reacting to the joint statement issued by the opposition, the ruling BJP on Wednesday said such remarks are used being used by the Pakistani media to show that Indian parties are not united in the fight against terror.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI: Reacting to the joint statement issued by the opposition, the ruling BJP on Wednesday said such remarks are used being used by the Pakistani media to show that Indian parties are not united in the fight against terror. The opposition leaders have said they are anguished over "blatant politicisation" of sacrifices of armed forces by the BJP. Addressing a press conference here, Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the allegations levelled by the opposition are "baseless". He also said the joint statement was being used by Pakistani media to project that the Indian polity was not united in its fight against terror. "Who is happy (with the joint statement)? Pakistan, its army and its media," Javadekar said. He said in such situations, parties should think how their remarks and statements are reflected and used to create a narrative. He also showed a clip of a Pakistani news channel to drive home his point. Twenty-one opposition parties Wednesday expressed anguish over what they alleged was "blatant politicisation" of the sacrifices of armed forces and urged the government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity. "The meeting lauded the action taken by the Indian Air Force against the terrorist camp on 26th February 2019 and praised our Armed Forces for their valour and bravery. The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observed that the Prime Minister has, regrettably, not convened an-ali party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy," they had said. The leaders expressed concern on the emerging security situation. "Post the statement from the MEA regarding targeting of our military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed their deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot. Leaders urged the Government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity," they added.