The last day of February proved to be an eventful one. Between rumours of more military escalation, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan talking about peace, and Pakistan agreeing to release Wing Commander Abhinandan, much has transpired. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, hasn’t said much to the public, save in what the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) touted as the “world’s largest video conference.”
As a part of the “Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot” programme, PM Modi reportedly interacted with one crore BJP workers, volunteers and supporters from 15,000 locations across the country. Not just Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and other prominent leaders of the party also participated in the programme from BJP’s Delhi headquarters.
Modi, in his e-address, said, “Every citizen in the country right now wants to contribute in some way or the other towards India’s betterment. Every Indian has an unshakable belief in himself as well as the government, and that is our biggest achievement.”
He also, despite the military situation in the country, spoke about elections. As per NDTV, he said, “Booth soldiers need to step up now. If you win your booth, if you win hearts of people, you can work directly for the nation.”
Addressing the Pulwama terror attack and the Balakot airstrikes rather vaguely, Modi said, “When the enemy supports terror and carries out activity against India, it is with the intent that India’s progress gets stalled. But we must all ensure that we stand together, stand united, stand with our soldiers to ensure we are strong… ensure that no matter what, our progress and our work does not stop.” He added that the nation stands with jawans and that India won’t stop at any cost.
Opposition parties slammed both the BJP and Modi for going ahead with the event at a time when an Indian Air Force pilot was in Pakistan’s custody.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, and many more tweeted, criticising Modi’s decision to campaign while the nation sat gripped in fear.
I wud urge the PM to postpone this. At this moment, we as a nation, need to spend all our energies and time to get the IAF pilot back safely andto sternly deal wid Pak. https://t.co/HKgBeqSe8a
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 28, 2019
Even when our pilot is missing, everything — even national security — is seen through the lens of public relations and votes.
The BJP only knows the politics of distraction, lies, branding and marketing.
Those who worship power will only be consumed by it. #BringHimHome
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 28, 2019
It‘s been nearly 24 hrs since our pilot has gone missing. On the other hand 6 IAF braves lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The nation is praying. We‘re all waiting with baited breath but not a word from our leadership.
The silence is deafening.#BringHimHome
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 28, 2019
At a time when India is facing hostility of war and country needs firm leadership, PM Nrendra Modi instead of concentrating on the matters of national security trying to serve political interest by addressing his BJP workers is ridiculous besides betrayal of national sentiments.
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) February 28, 2019
Glaring case of misplaced priorities!
132 Cr Indians pray for safe & immediate return of India’s brave-heart Wing Comm, Abhinandan but Modiji desperate only for re-election.
Congress cancelled its imp CWC & Rally today.
Pradhan Sevak hell-bent on creating a Video Conf. record! pic.twitter.com/ulIMzA35Xv
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 28, 2019