Congress MP Anto Antony stoked an argument in Kerala as he levelled critical allegations in opposition to the BJP claiming that the social gathering registered victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by “exploiting the sacrifices of jawans” who have been killed in the road of responsibility through the Pulwama terror assaults on February 14. Antony appeared to recommend that Pakistan had no involvement in the Pulwama assault, drawing sharp reactions from the BJP which demanded a sedition case in opposition to the Congress MP who has been re-fielded from the Pathanamthitta constituency for alleged sedition.
What did Antony say?
“Did they not win the last elections by leveraging the sacrifice of the 42 jawans who were stationed in an area where there is 40 per cent oxygen deficiency enduring extreme climatic conditions while guarding the nation,” Antony requested, whereas attacking the Union authorities saying this time their election trump card is the notifying of the foundations of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
“This time, it’s about the CAA. What about last time? It was Pulwama. And what was Pulwama? Wasn’t it the sacrifice of our 42 jawans,” he requested.
The Pulwama assault happened on February 14, 2019 when a convoy of automobiles transporting CRPF personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was focused by a suicide bomber in a automobile at Lethapora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The assault killed 40 CRPF personnel and never 42 because the Congress MP talked about.
His remarks got here forward of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s go to to the constituency on March 17 to canvass votes for Anil Antony who’s the candidate in opposition to Anto Antony.
When a reporter raised the difficulty of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pulwama assault, the Pathanamthitta MP responded sharply, asking, “What involvement did Pakistan have in the Pulwama blast?”
To strengthen his argument, the Congress MP cited an interview of then Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik concerning the Pulwama terror assault, in which the BJP-appointed head of State had mentioned that often such lengthy military convoys will not be despatched by highway in an space with militancy and that they’re often offered helicopters for transport.
Antony alleged that Malik had acknowledged that the jawans meant to be transported by helicopter however have been “purposely” directed to go by highway via a route the place the blast happened.
BJP reacts sharply
BJP State president Ok Surendran condemned the Congress MP’s remarks, stating that he had insulted the nation by denying Pakistan’s function in the Pulwama terror assault.
Surendran mentioned Antony ought to be charged with sedition and arrested.
“Antony should make clear for whose assist he made such a derogatory assertion. This comment disrespected the troopers who sacrificed their lives for the nation, Ok. Surendran mentioned, including that it might convey down the morale of the military.
He mentioned he believed that the voters of Pathanamthitta who’re patriots would specific their dissent in opposition to Antony’s pro-Pakistan stance via their votes.
(With PTI inputs)
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