J&K 15 November (KNB): For the seventh consecutive time Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Deepawali with troops deployed in forward locations on the LoC/IB while as Congress as usual tried to politicise the visit by terming it as a PR exercise, says J&K BJP Spokesperson Anil Gupta
In a statement issued to Kashmir News Bureau, he said that this year Modi spent Diwali with troops deployed in the desert sector at Laungewala post in Jaisalmer District. “Such a visit by the Prime Minister acts as a big morale booster for the men in uniform who due to exigencies of service most of the time spend this festival of joy and festivities away from their homes,” Anil Gupta stated.
He stated, “By having the Prime Minister amongst them, who not only represents himself but the entire nation, the soldiers forget their loneliness and feel motivated and charged”.
Statement read, Earlier on the eve of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the nation to light a ‘diya’ as a ‘salute to soldiers’. He tweeted, “This Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a Salute 2 Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation. Words can’t do justice to the sense of gratitude we have for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We are also grateful to the families of those on the borders.” Gupta stated that it shows PM’s genuine concern for the soldiers and their families and connection he has with them. While speaking to troops at Laungewala he reiterated, ‘’my resolve to serve and protect the country becomes stronger by spending more time with you.”
J&K BJP Spokesperson stated that on the other hand Congress as usual tried to politicise the visit by terming it as a PR exercise. Congress reaction smacked of jealousy with prime minister’s popularity. “For the Congress, visit to soldiers in forward areas particularly on an important festival may be a PR exercise and that is why during 10 years of UPA rule the then PM or Raksha Mantri or Chairperson of UPA did not care to be with the troops on these occasions. They find it more rewarding to host Iftar parties because these fetch them votes,” stated Anil Gupta.
He added that Congress objection to the visit was completely unjustified and appeared like their compulsive habit of criticising every act of the government without being sensitive to the occasion.
Gupta asserted that the new found mantra of Congress, ‘Whatever you propose, we shall oppose’ is becoming the accelerator of their fast diminishing popularity among the masses.
Congress statement appeared as if it has been lifted straight way from the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times, Gupta stated.
“The choice of Laungewala as the destination for this year’s Diwali celebrations has sent a veiled message and subtle warning across to our enemies. For Pakistan, it was a reminder of the mincemeat made of its tanks and infantry by the combined strength of the IAF and Army during 1971 in the famous Battle of Laungewala,” Gupta said.
“It is certainly to hurt Congress due to its pro-Pak leaning. PM also had the unique experience of a tank ride which would help him to understand the important role of a tank on the battlefield,” J&K BJP Spokesperson said. (KNB)