Pakistan itself gave proofs of Balakot strikes: PM Modi
What's the story
In what can be seen as yet another confirmation from Centre on the success of Balakot strikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Pakistan itself shared proofs of the operation.
Speaking to News 18, PM Modi reminded that the first tweet related to the attack came from Pakistan.
He gave this reply when asked if he would furnish proofs to Opposition parties or not.
Statement
"We were quiet, they tweeted at 5 AM"
PM Modi said, "Why would they wake up at 5 AM and tweet? We were quiet. Pakistan itself has given proof. It's not that India claimed the attacks first."
After the Balakot strikes, there has been ambiguity over the death toll and Opposition parties sought answers.
But PM Modi said, "This kind of language motivates the enemy, confuses the nation and demoralizes our soldiers."
What happened
Context: Pakistan's Asif Ghafoor tweeted about the attack initially
To recall, IAF jets breached Pakistani airspace on the intervening night of February 25 and 26, days after Jaish-e-Mohammed's orchestrated attack ended in the martyrdom of 40 CRPF soldiers.
It was Asif Ghafoor, Chief of Inter-Services Public Relations of the Pakistani Army, who tweeted about the attack and claimed IAF jets returned after PAF scrambled its aircraft.
But, IAF said the operation was successful.
Statement
When have people spoken like this during wars, asked Modi
The Balakot strikes have found a place in political discourse with BJP selling it as its success, and Opposition raising doubts.
Speaking on it, PM Modi said, "There have been many wars earlier. Did anyone use such language then? Never."
He accused Congress of speaking Pakistan's language and said no one in India believed what his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan said.
Quote
Elections shouldn't be linked to Balakot strikes: PM Modi
"Unfortunately, the Opposition here speaks the same language as Pakistan. That is a cause for concern. India keeps having elections. There is an election every six months. So it's wrong to link the Balakot strike to elections," PM Modi added.
Agreement
PM Modi said he agreed with Advani on issues
Separately, PM Modi said he also agreed with BJP veteran LK Advani's stand on political rivals. The patriarch in a blog said opponents shouldn't be dubbed as "anti-nationals".
"The nation is supreme, the party is next and the self is last. Even on the issue of nationalism, this remains our stand. So, Advani ji is absolutely right," PM Modi said.
Rafale deal
On Rafale, PM Modi said Rahul Gandhi had another motive
Launching a scathing attack on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi said he raked the issue of Rafale deal because he wanted to wash away sins of his father Rajiv.
"His advisors told him Rafale doesn't resonate as a political issue. His own people told him to let the issue be. But he wanted to wash the Bofors stain on his father," he said.