A day after an IAF pilot was captured by Pakisan, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday, 28 February, said "India will fight, live, work and win as one."
Addressing more than 1 crore Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, volunteers and supporters, in what has been touted to be the "world's largest video conference", Modi said it is necessary to ensure that nothing is done to dent the morale of security forces.
“The enemy tries to destabilise us, carries out terror attacks, they want to stop our growth. We all countrymen are standing like a rock to counter their evil designs.”PM Modi, as quoted by ANI
The PM asserted in his address that the entire country is united and stands in support of the armed forces, adding that the world is watching the "collective will" of the country.
“Is samay desh ki bhavnayein ek alag star par hain. Desh ka vir jawan seema par aur seema ke paar bhi apna parakram dikha raha hai. Pura desh ek hai, aur hamare jawano ke saath khada hai. (At this time, the emotions of the country are on a different level. The brave soldiers are showing their might on the border and even across the border. The whole country is united, and stands in support of the armed forces.)”PM Modi, as quoted by ANI
Congress Slams Modi For Holding BJP Event
The BJP's 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot' event has come under criticism from the Opposition parties, with Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala taking a dig at PM Modi in a Twitter post.
"The armed forces are taking care of the border. And the prime minister is taking care of the booths! Here is a soldier of the country's affairs," he said.
Earlier in the day, the Congress spokesperson had alleged that PM Modi has "misplaced priorities" and that he was "desperate only for re-election.”
Surjewala had alleged that the prime minister was "hell-bent on creating a video conference record" when the entire country was praying for the return of its pilot.
Amid escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, 21 Opposition parties on Wednesday expressed "deep 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.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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