Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh who is known for his nationalistic views shocked everyone by demanding proof of Balakot air strikes. The senior Congressman’s unexpected statement is a political shield to defend his party’s stand on the air strikes by Indian Air Force (IAF) on terror camps deep within Pakistan. He justified his party’s right to demand proof on the success of IAF’s operation from the Modi government.
Punjab CM @capt_amarinder asks for evidence of Balakot air strikes. Captain asks @narendramodi to release pictures #ChunavManthan @anurradhaprasad @news24tvchannel
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) May 3, 2019
“If the strikes were as successful as the Modi government claimed them to be, it’s actually a matter of immense pride for our country and for all of us. So let us see how our forces destroyed Pak buildings and shattered their inflated ego,” he responded to a question on the allegation of BJP terming the Congress anti-national for demanding proof of IAF’s operation.
Singh asserted that this is not the first time proof had been asked. He pointed out to an instance from 1965 war when an Army Major had brought chopped ears of the dead from the other side of the border to put speculations on Indian operations to rest. He also recalled that photographs were released as proof of the success of Kargil operation.
He insisted that demanding proof from the government was no way an unpatriotic gesture.
Singh expressed pride about the ageing MiG 21 taking down Pakistan’s F-16 and added he would be delighted to learn about Balkot’s success story. He attacked PM Narendra Modi over his alleged attempts to politicize Balakot operation and seek votes in the names of martyred soldiers.
“Have they (BJP) forgotten who won India its wars against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971,” he questioned and added “I’m a military historian also and if Modi doesn’t want to give proof of the strikes to the press or the Congress, he can send them to me,” he suggested.
He insisted he would feel extremely proud if the BJP leaders’ claims are proven right and blamed the BJP for using IAF’s accomplishment for political gains. He supported his part’s demand and said BJP should not hesitate to put all doubts to rest.
Singh refuted BJP’s claim of Congress siding with the ‘tukde tukde gang,’ and blamed BJP leadership of playing divisive politics.
The opposition has been repeatedly attacking Modi government by towing Pakistan line of demanding proof of the Balakot air strike. Singh, an ex-soldier who is respected for keeping nation above politics, seems to have disappointed many with his latest remarks.
Several people responded to his tweet saying that it was not expected of him.
Captain ji, aapse yeh umeed nahi hai.
— Mr.मनीष (@iammanishms) May 3, 2019
#amrindersingh cm you yesterday said sunny deol is a reel soldier and you are a real soldier and yet today you have asked for a proof of balakot does a real soldier not have faith in armys press statment
— Ksoni (@Ksoni91256074) April 27, 2019
Earlier, Singh had earned respect and praise for his views on the Balakot air strike. He was hailed as an officer, a gentleman, and a true leader.
