OPPN: BJP IS ‘POLITICISING’ SACRIFICES OF ARMED FORCES

NEW DELHI: Most mainstream opposition parties on Wednesday expressed “deep concern over for the safety of the missing Indian pilot” and “condemned Pakistani misadventure” but also expressed “deep anguish” over the ruling party’s “blatant politicisation” of the sacrifices made by Indian armed forces.

Their statement came after an over-120 minute meeting of 21 political parties in the Parliament’s annexe.

Interestingly, the meeting witnessed an admission by some opposition leaders that politicising the issue could actually be counter-productive because they cannot “beat the Bharatiya Janata Party” on this nor be seen to be “criticising the government at this time” HT has learnt.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and some others insisted that the Opposition return to the narrative of jobs, farm crisis and corruption, people familiar with the proceedings of the meeting said on condition of anonymity. There were also suggestions that the parties meet again soon to take stock of the fluid situation.

At the end of the meeting Gandhi, flanked by West Bengal CM and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee and CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, read out a joint statement. The parties “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. National security must transcend narrow political considerations.