Is the BJP Hiding Its Failures and Disrespecting the Army?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ajay Kumar Lallu criticizes the BJP’s handling of national security.
- The BJP is accused of protecting individuals who disrespect the army.
- Lallu references Indira Gandhi’s decisive actions during the 1971 war.
- He questions the accountability of BJP ministers regarding military matters.
- Chirag Paswan calls for action against disrespectful remarks towards the army.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu launched a fierce critique against the Centre, accusing it of politicizing national security and protecting individuals who are alleged to have shown disrespect towards the Indian Army.
In a conversation with IANS, he remarked, “There’s a saying in villages: ‘A clever cat scratches the pole.’ When a government fails, it seeks to cover its shortcomings by pointing fingers at others.”
He challenged the BJP’s approach to national security matters and appealed to the emotional sentiments of the public concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan.
“Who was accountable for the ceasefire? Who informed the nation? Who stepped back from war? The entire country aspired to hoist the tricolor in PoK, liberate Balochistan, and weaken Pakistan. Who insulted our army? Who doubted the courage of our sister Sofiya Qureshi? These BJP ministers and leaders owe answers to the Prime Minister,” he stated.
Making a historical reference, Lallu recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s significant role in the 1971 war, expressing, “They cannot fathom that just as Indira Gandhi divided Pakistan in 1971, the nation desired a similar decisive action this time.”
He further claimed that senior Congress leaders had supported the government in high-level discussions, despite the Prime Minister’s absence from all-party meetings.
“When Operation Sindoor concluded, the entire nation honored the army’s valor,” he told IANS.
Targeting remarks made by the Madhya Pradesh Minister regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Lallu accused the government of offering protection to him. “The Madhya Pradesh government is consistently defending him. When the media inquired, they resorted to arguments rather than taking decisive action. Why hasn’t he been relieved of his duties? What fear is preventing them?” he questioned, adding, “The High Court is intervening, cases are ongoing, and even after the Supreme Court’s comments, that minister remains firmly in position. This indicates the government stands with those who disparage the army. Why doesn’t Amit Malviya tweet about this?”
Ajay Kumar also expressed gratitude to Union Minister Chirag Paswan for, as he described it, “recognizing the sentiments of the nation,” while urging BJP leaders to contemplate the same.
Chirag Paswan on Tuesday vehemently condemned the controversial comments made by MP Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, asserting that had Shah been a member of his party, he would have expelled him for life.